Liverpool return to Champions League action against Villarreal at Anfield tonight with an opportunity to make it three victories from three in Europe’s premier competition. Andoni Iraola has made an encouraging start to his European campaign, but the demands of the fixture calendar are beginning to bite.
Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Brentford provided another important result, although injuries to Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong have complicated matters. With Brighton waiting on Sunday, Iraola faces a familiar problem. How much can he change while maintaining Liverpool’s winning momentum?
For me, this is precisely where the strength of Liverpool’s squad should become apparent. Villarreal deserve respect, but Liverpool have sufficient quality to win this game while giving several important players a much-needed breather.
Villarreal Offer Liverpool a Champions League Opportunity
Villarreal arrive at Anfield having endured an inconsistent start to their campaign. Sitting 12th in La Liga, the Spanish side have struggled to establish any meaningful rhythm.
Their Champions League performances tell a similar story. Defeat against Borussia Dortmund was followed by an impressive victory over Napoli, demonstrating that they retain the ability to trouble established European opposition.
However, there are weaknesses Liverpool should be looking to exploit.
Villarreal have conceded four goals across their opening two Champions League fixtures and 13 in nine La Liga matches. Their defensive organisation has improved in recent weeks, but there remain opportunities for opponents capable of applying sustained pressure.
Their anticipated 4-4-2 formation could make central areas particularly important. Florian Wirtz should find opportunities between the midfield and defensive lines, especially if Liverpool move the ball quickly enough to disrupt Villarreal’s shape.
The visitors possess dangerous attacking players and will fancy their chances of exploiting space on the counterattack. Liverpool’s defensive discipline must therefore match their attacking ambition.
There is also some history worth remembering. Villarreal made Liverpool uncomfortable during the second leg of their 2022 Champions League semi-final, briefly threatening an extraordinary comeback before Jürgen Klopp’s side regained control.
Anfield should provide the platform for another Liverpool victory, provided the hosts approach the occasion with the necessary intensity.
Iraola Must Trust Liverpool’s Squad Depth
Liverpool’s injury situation makes team selection particularly interesting.
Frimpong and Szoboszlai join Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike on the sidelines. Victor Munoz could also face a late fitness decision, while Cody Gakpo’s return to the matchday squad at Brentford offers some welcome encouragement.
I would resist the temptation to rush anybody back unnecessarily.
Liverpool have already beaten Atletico Madrid and LASK in this Champions League campaign. Six points from two matches provides valuable breathing space, particularly with the expanded league phase rewarding consistent performances across eight fixtures.
Another victory would put Liverpool on nine points and strengthen their position considerably.
Iraola should therefore select a side capable of winning comfortably while protecting those who have carried a heavy workload.
Alisson remains my preferred goalkeeper. Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk provide a formidable defensive foundation, with Milos Kerkez offering energy down the left.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister should control midfield, allowing Wirtz the freedom to operate further forward.
Wirtz’s performance against Brentford offered another reminder of his extraordinary creative ability. His nine chances created from open play demonstrated the influence he can exert when Liverpool provide him with movement and passing options.
Against Villarreal’s compact midfield, his intelligence could prove decisive.
Ngumoha and Koumas Deserve Their Champions League Chance
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this fixture concerns Liverpool’s attacking selection.
Alexander Isak has become increasingly important, while Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz have delivered significant contributions in recent matches. However, their workloads require careful management.
This represents an ideal opportunity for Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas.
Ngumoha has looked increasingly confident in recent appearances. His willingness to attack defenders, carry possession and create uncertainty gives Liverpool a valuable weapon against opponents who might otherwise settle into a comfortable defensive shape.
I would start him on the right.
Koumas deserves an opportunity through the middle, where his pressing and movement could make life uncomfortable for Villarreal’s defenders.
There is a tactical argument for this approach. Villarreal have shown vulnerability when attempting to play through pressure, and Liverpool should look to exploit that from the opening whistle.
Gakpo, assuming he is ready to start, would complete my attacking three on the left.
His return would provide experience and positional flexibility alongside two younger players eager to establish themselves.
The beauty of this selection is the attacking quality Iraola could retain among his substitutes. Isak and Barcola would offer considerable options should Liverpool require a change of approach.
It also gives Liverpool an opportunity to develop their younger players in a meaningful European fixture.
These are precisely the occasions when promising talent must be trusted.
Liverpool Can Take Control Before Brighton Challenge
I expect Liverpool to approach this Champions League encounter aggressively.
An early goal would force Villarreal to reconsider their defensive approach, creating additional space for Wirtz and Liverpool’s attacking players.
The priority should be controlling possession, pressing intelligently and limiting the counterattacking opportunities that have occasionally troubled Iraola’s side.
With Brighton approaching, Liverpool would benefit enormously from establishing control early and managing the latter stages without unnecessary drama.
Nine points from nine would represent an excellent European return and provide further evidence that Iraola is developing a squad capable of handling the demands of multiple competitions.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Araújo, Jacquet, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Wirtz; Ngumoha, Koumas, Gakpo.
Score prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Villarreal.
I expect Liverpool’s superior attacking quality and Anfield advantage to prove decisive. Koumas and Ngumoha have an opportunity to make their mark, while Wirtz should enjoy the spaces Villarreal’s formation offers.
Three Champions League victories, another clean sheet and key players protected for Brighton would constitute an excellent evening’s work.