Liverpool
VillarrealForm guide
Liverpool have 12 points from seven Premier League games and have won four of their last five matches in all competitions. The exception was a 3-0 home defeat by Manchester City. They won 2-1 at Brentford on Saturday. In Europe they have a perfect record so far: 2-1 against Atlético Madrid at Anfield and a wild 6-3 win at LASK last week. Their home league form has been less convincing, with draws against Nottingham Forest and Fulham.
Villarreal have 9 points from nine LaLiga games and drew 0-0 with Elche at the weekend. They beat Napoli 3-1 at home in the Champions League last week, but they lost 3-2 at Dortmund on matchday one, and their record on the road in Europe is poor: they have lost five European away games in a row.
Head-to-head
Liverpool have won three of the four meetings, including both games at Anfield (3-0 in 2016 and 2-0 in 2022). Villarreal's only win was 1-0 at home in the 2016 Europa League.
Team news
Liverpool's injury list is long, with Isak, Ekitike, Gakpo and Szoboszlai all reported out, so their attack will be stretched. Villarreal are missing Pépé and Buchanan, plus goalkeeper Gulácsi.
Our prediction and why
We take Liverpool or draw (1X). Liverpool are at home, have won both European games, and won both previous meetings at Anfield. Their injuries and patchy home league form are why we cover the draw rather than backing a straight home win.
Other bets to consider
Over 1.5 goals is our second pick. Six of Liverpool's last eight games and five of Villarreal's last seven had at least two goals.