Liverpool vs Villarreal: Reds Look to Continue European Momentum at Anfield

Liverpool vs Villarreal: Reds Look to Continue European Momentum at Anfield Liverpool vs Villarreal – Champions League Preview Date: Wednesday, 20th October 2026 Venue: Anfield Kick-off: 20:00 BST Following a heartening win away to Brentford in the Premier League and a six-goal thrashing of LASK in the Champions League last week, Liverpool return to Anfield looking to build momentum in Europe. Villarreal arrive on Merseyside hoping to upset the hosts and take advantage of any defensive uncertainty, but Andoni Iraola’s side should approach this fixture with renewed confidence. Liverpool’s 2–1 victory at Brentford demonstrated their ability to respond to adversity. After falling behind shortly before half-time, the Reds improved significantly after the break, with Víctor Muñoz equalising before Alexander Isak completed the comeback. Alexis Mac Allister was outstanding in midfield, while Rio Ngumoha’s impact and the versatility shown by the reshaped right-hand side offered further encouragement. Concerns remain, particularly around injuries and Liverpool’s ability to maintain intensity for 90 minutes. However, the attacking quality available to Iraola should give the Reds a strong platform against Villarreal. The challenge will be to combine that forward threat with the defensive discipline that was missing during the closing stages against LASK. Predicted Liverpool XI Formation: 4-2-3-1 GK – Alisson Becker RB – Ronald Araújo CB – Virgil van Dijk CB – Jérémy Jacquet LB – Kostas Tsimikas CM – Trey Nyoni CM – Alexis Mac Allister AM – Ryan Gravenberch RW – Rio Ngumoha LW – Bradley Barcola CF – Alexander Isak I expect Iraola to make changes for this fixture, balancing the need to maintain Liverpool’s European momentum with the demands of a busy schedule. If Isak is ready to start, he should lead the line. His movement and finishing provide an important focal point for the attack, although Lewis Koumas remains an alternative if the Swedish international is not fully fit. There is now genuine competition for the three attacking positions behind the striker. Wirtz, Barcola, Ngumoha, Gravenberch and Rio all offer different qualities, giving Iraola several options depending on the opposition and the condition of his squad. Cody Gakpo may be held back after injury. I suspect Wirtz could be rested, with Gravenberch moving into the attacking midfield role. However, if Iraola decides to give Mac Allister a break, the Dutchman could instead operate alongside Nyoni in a more conventional midfield pairing, providing energy and forward movement from deeper positions. Much will depend on how Iraola wants Liverpool to control the central areas. At left-back, Kostas Tsimikas should return to the starting line-up after impressing against LASK. His delivery and willingness to support attacks could prove useful against a Villarreal side likely to defend in organised spells. Araújo’s inclusion at right-back would offer a more defensively robust option, particularly if Liverpool expect Villarreal to threaten on the counter-attack. The Final Word This is a game Liverpool should approach with confidence, but not complacency. The recent victories over LASK and Brentford have encouraged, and Anfield offers the ideal setting to continue building momentum in the Champions League. Villarreal are unlikely to make the task easy. Liverpool will need patience in possession, intelligent movement between the lines and a sharper defensive performance than they produced when allowing LASK back into their European encounter. Controlling the midfield will be particularly important, especially if Iraola makes several changes to his starting side. The Reds have enough attacking quality to trouble Villarreal, with Barcola’s pace, Ngumoha’s directness and Isak’s finishing offering a promising combination. If Mac Allister can dictate the tempo and the defence remains organised, Liverpool should have the tools to secure another important European result. I expect a competitive opening before Liverpool’s quality begins to tell. Villarreal may find a way through, but the Reds should create enough opportunities at Anfield to take control and claim three valuable points. Steven Smith’s Score Prediction: Liverpool 3–1 Villarreal