Liverpool host Villarreal at Anfield on Tuesday as the Champions League league phase continues, with Andoni Iraola’s side looking to preserve their 100% record in Europe.
The Reds opened their campaign with a home victory over Atletico Madrid before producing a 6-3 win away against LASK last week. They will now attempt to make it three wins from three in front of the Anfield crowd.
Villarreal have collected three points from their first two matches. They began with defeat by Borussia Dortmund but responded by beating Napoli last week in an impressive display.
Liverpool have won three of the clubs’ four previous meetings, giving them the better record ahead of the latest encounter. Villarreal will need to produce another strong performance when they face the Reds under the lights at Anfield.
Liverpool are expected to be without Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong, who were both forced off during the victory against Brentford with muscle injuries.
Villarreal, meanwhile, have no injury concerns, providing a boost to the La Liga side before their trip to England.
The match will take place at Anfield, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 UK time.
Confirmed line-ups
Liverpool: Alisson; Gomez, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
Villarreal: Junior; Mourino, Navarro, Veiga, Romero; Saliba, Comesana, Gueye, Moleiro; Moreno, Mikautadze
Villarreal manager Inigo Perez will be seeking a second victory over Liverpool in five attempts. His team have, however, lost their last three matches against the Reds.
The Spanish club have never defeated an English side in the Champions League proper. Their record in those fixtures stands at six draws and 10 defeats.
Liverpool’s home form in the competition has been particularly strong, with the Reds winning 15 of their past 16 Champions League group-stage or league-phase matches.
They have also won each of their last seven Champions League league-phase games against Spanish opposition.
