Liverpool host Villarreal tonight in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final as Jurgen Klopp will look to reach a fourth European final in seven years.
Their opponents, Villarreal, are hoping to reach a first-ever Champions League final, having already knocked out Italian and German giants Juventus and Bayern Munich respectively.
What time is Liverpool v Villarreal?
Liverpool v Villarreal kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday, April 27, at Anfield.
Is Liverpool v Villarreal on TV? What about streaming?
Yes, the match will be broadcast on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport Ultimate.
BT Sport subscribers will also be able to view the match via the BT Sport App.
What’s the latest team news?
The only doubt for Liverpool is Roberto Firmino, following the Brazilian's absence for last weekend’s Merseyside derby win. Klopp is expected to rearrange his team again with last weekend’s substitutes, Ibrahima Konate and club captain Jordan Henderson, hoping to start against the Spanish side.
Villarreal have doubts over ex-Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin and key goal scorer Gerard Moreno. Former Liverpool player Alberto Moreno will not play against his old club after the defender suffered another ACL injury.
What have the managers said?
Jurgen Klopp: "We face a very, very difficult opponent. They are made for this competition. There might have been a little advantage in the last two games - maybe Juventus or Bayern underestimated them, but that will never happen with us, especially after those four games.
"They are a really, really good football team who obviously want to make history as well. I think it would be the first time they could get to the final, which is a massive thing for Villarreal.
"But for us, it's the same importance. We want to go there with all we have and that's what we have to show on Wednesday night."
Unai Emery: "The surprise factor decreases after you do what we did. Against Juve, there were certain moments when their reaction didn't come through. Against Bayern, from behind, we were able to find our best version and use that background to overcome them. And that is no longer present. Whoever reaches the semi-finals are here because they have deserved it.
"They are wise and now they know who we are. They know that the tie is going to be difficult and they will be prepared, no doubt about it. But it is inevitable for them to feel as the favourites, as it is normal, their potential is massive. But we have greater motivation and enthusiasm. Liverpool are known for running and recovering the ball in high areas but now they also have options to make combination passing moves, with Thiago and Mane playing much more inside. Signing Luis Diaz is a major factor for this improvement."
What are the latest betting odds?
Liverpool - 2/7
Draw - 9/2
Villarreal - 17/2
Match facts
- Liverpool have reached the semi-final of the European Cup/Champions League for the 12th time. No English side has played in the final four more often.
- The is the first time that Liverpool have reached the semi-finals of the League Cup, FA Cup and European Cup in the same season.
- Wednesday’s encounter will be the fourth time out of Villarreal's last five semi-final appearances in major European competition to see them come up against English opposition at the final-four stage. They faced Arsenal in 2005-06 Champions League semi-finals.
- Since the start of the 2009-10 season, Villareal manager Unai Emery has progressed from 84 per cent of his Europa League/Champions League knockout ties (31/37). This is the second-best ratio of any manager to have taken charge of at least 10. Only Zinedine Zidane beats Emery’s stellar record but with less games managed (14/16 - 88 per cent).
