Villarreal v Liverpool predictions, betting tips, odds and lineups (Europa League - 28.4.2016)

Wednesday, 27 April 2016 22:40
Written by David Bet

Liverpool travel to take on Villarreal in the first-leg of their Europa League semi-final tie on Thursday night. This article contains our VILLARREAL v LIVERPOOL betting preview with predictions, betting tips, best odds, probable line-ups, exclusive promotions and no deposit free bets on the Europa League!

VILLARREAL v LIVERPOOL BETTING PREVIEW

Villarreal were held to a goalless draw by Real Betis at the weekend and they are strongly positioned in fourth in La Liga, six points clear of fifth-place Athletic Club in the league’s final Champions League qualification spot. La Liga outfit progressed into the final four of this competition courtesy of a thumping, 6-3 defeat of Lazio’s vanquishers, Sparta Prague. They have won all six of their home games in Europe this campaign - conceding just once - and have lost just two of their last 21 competitive fixtures on home turf.

Marcelino Garcia has no fresh injury concerns. He will be without the services of Leo Baptistao while Juame Costa and Pablo Musacchio are major doubts. Roberto Soldado and Cedric Bakambu are likely to lead the line.

Liverpool's four-game winning run in all competitions came to an end as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home against Newcastle. They have lost just one of their last 12 competitive fixtures and have knocked out Borussia Dortmund with a dramatic comeback. The Reds were trailing 3-1 on aggregate at half-time of the second leg at Anfield but then scoring four times with only one in reply to go through. The Reds have drawn five of their six Europa League matches on the road this term but they are the first team ever to have gone 12 games unbeaten in a single Europa League campaign.

Mamadou Sakho has been suspended by Liverpool pending an investigaton following a failed drugs test and Kolo Tourè is expected to partner Dejan Lovren at the heart of defense. James Milner could start alongside Lucas Leiva in midfield, though Joe Allen is pushing for a starting berth. The likes of Christian Benteke, Emre Can, Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Danny Ings and Divock Origi are all sidelined.

VILLARREAL v LIVERPOOL PROBABLE LINEUPS

Villarreal (4-4-2): Areola: Mario, Bailly, Ruiz, Rukavina: Suarez, Castillejo, Bruno, Trigueros: Soldado, Bakambu.

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mignolet: Clyne, Toure, Lovren, Moreno: Can, Milner; Firmino, Coutinho, Lallana: Sturridge