Liverpool vs Villarreal: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Liverpool Meets Villarreal in Champions League Clash

On Tuesday, Liverpool will host Villarreal at Anfield, revisiting a rivalry that last saw them face off in the 2021–22 Champions League semifinals. This match also marks a reunion of sorts between managers Andoni Iraola of Liverpool and Iñigo Pérez, now leading Villarreal after serving as Iraola's assistant in previous years.

Pérez took over Villarreal in June after guiding Rayo Vallecano to the Conference League final last season. While Villarreal currently sits mid-table in La Liga, they secured their first Champions League win since 2022 with a recent 3–1 victory over Napoli.

Liverpool enters this game on the back of two wins in the group stage, including a narrow 2–1 win over Atlético Madrid at Anfield and a commanding 6–3 win against LASK. They also came from behind to beat Brentford on the weekend. Although Iraola’s Liverpool is still finding its rhythm, their results are encouraging.

Match Prediction

This fixture carries extra meaning as two long-time friends and former colleagues face each other on the touchline. Iraola commented on the unique nature of the encounter, calling it "a privilege" but also "a little bit strange" given their close bond. Villarreal’s coach is said to be well aware of Iraola’s tactics and style.

Despite Villarreal’s recent improvement under Pérez, winning away at Merseyside remains a tough challenge. Liverpool has a strong record at Anfield in European nights and boasts three wins out of four competitive meetings with Villarreal. The visitors’ only victory was in the 2016 Europa League semifinal first leg, which Liverpool overturned with a 3–0 home win to reach the final.

Key Factors

• Villarreal’s Struggles in Front of Goal: Despite ranking third in expected goals (xG) in La Liga after nine matches, Villarreal has scored just 13 times from an xG of 19.49, making them the biggest underperformers in the league.
• Alexander Isak’s Form: The Swedish striker, signed by Liverpool for a club-record fee last year, has hit top form. Recently returning from injury, Isak scored the winning goal against Brentford, bringing his season tally to five goals in under 600 minutes.

Prediction: Liverpool 2–0 Villarreal

Projected Lineups

• Goalkeeper: Alisson
• Defenders: Araújo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas
• Midfielders: Gravenberch, Mac Allister
• Attacking Midfielders: Muñoz, Wirtz, Ngumoha
• Forward: Isak

Injuries have sidelined Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong, with Frimpong suffering a new injury and Szoboszlai still recovering from a hamstring problem. Ryan Gravenberch is set to return after a one-match suspension. Bradley Barcola might get some rest, while Alexander Isak is expected to spearhead the attack. Long-term absences include Hugo Ekitiké, Giovanni Leoni, and Conor Bradley.

• Goalkeeper: Júnior
• Defenders: Mouriño, Navarro, Veiga, Romero
• Midfielders: Saliba, Comesaña, Gueye, Moleiro
• Forwards: Moreno, Mikautadze

New coach Pérez sticks with the 4-4-2 system used by his predecessor Marcelino. Notably absent due to injuries are winger Tajon Buchanan and Nicolas Pépé, who recently underwent eye surgery. Georges Mikautadze and Gerard Moreno will lead the frontline, while Nathan Saliba is likely to start in midfield.

Match Details

• Location: Liverpool, England
• Venue: Anfield
• Date: Tuesday, October 20
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
• Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
• VAR Official: Piotr Lasyk (Poland)

Broadcast Information

• United States: Paramount+, ViX
• Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
• Mexico: Space Mexico, Max Mexico
• United Kingdom: Amazon Prime Video

Fans worldwide can check official broadcasters for full coverage of the Champions League matches.