Liverpool vs Villarreal – Team News, Tactics, Preview And Manager’s words

Anfield gears up for another classic European night as the Reds will be looking to overcome the one goal deficit and turn the game in their favour. Liverpool have had a very exciting campaign with their last home victory coming against the mighty Borussia Dortmund in the 4-3 thriller. Villarreal are currently 4^th in the la liga and there is no reason for them to take this fixture lightly. Anfield will surely witness another competitive European night as the fans hope for silverware.

Build-up

Liverpool have a big boost with their star midfielder Emre Can returning to fitness. The Reds were definitely not the same side since his injury, but they will need to bounce back in this one. They have been in a similar situation five times in the past and three out of those five times they have overturned the lead in their favor and made it to the finals. Villarreal on the other hand, enter this game at the back of the away win against Valencia. The Yellow Submarine has not been sailing well away in the competition as they have conceded nine goals in their six away games. The Reds have a better European pedigree and are known to turn such ties in their favour with the help of the Kopites.

Tactics

Jurgen Klopp faces a tough side and he will have to rely a lot on the midfield in order to dominate the game. As we saw in the first leg, Liverpool were not able to establish themselves in the center of the park which resulted in fewer chances created up-front. However, the Reds will have to keep that behind and turn the tide in their favor. They will be happy to hear the news of Emre Can and if Milner and Allen can partner him well in the midfield, dominance is pretty much possible. Also, the attacking trio of Coutinho, Lallana and Sturridge will play a vital role in this fixture. Klopp should go with Sturridge for this big game.

Manager’s words

Liverpool boss was optimistic after his side’s 1-0 defeat in the first leg and he did mention that it is not a big lead and it can be overturned. This is what the manager had to say in a conference. “Yes, we need to create an atmosphere from the pitch to the crowd and from the crowd to the pitch. My first thought after they scored, when I saw all of them celebrating, was: ‘Sorry to say, but you have to come to Anfield.’ We have a real chance in the second leg. That’s what I thought before the first leg and I don’t want to stop thinking this after the first leg. Let’s do something special.”