Liverpool welcome Villarreal to Anfield on Tuesday night, looking to make it three wins from three in the Champions League.
Andoni Iraola’s side have enjoyed a strong start in Europe, beating Atlético Madrid 2-1 before putting six past LASK in Austria.
That 6-3 victory was hardly a defensive masterclass, but Bradley Barcola’s hat-trick certainly gave Liverpool supporters something to enjoy.
The Reds followed it with a 2-1 Premier League victory at Brentford on Saturday, making it four wins from their last five matches.
Villarreal arrive having beaten Napoli 3-1 in their previous European outing, although their domestic form remains inconsistent.
The Spanish side have also endured a miserable run away from home in Europe.
Liverpool are favourites, but with injuries mounting and Villarreal capable of scoring goals, there could be more to this encounter than a routine Anfield victory.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Manchester City vs AEK Athens betting tips, team news and predictions
What are the best betting tips for Liverpool vs Villarreal?
Liverpool to win and over 3.5 goals
Liverpool have won both Champions League matches this season, scoring eight goals in the process.
Their 6-3 victory over LASK highlighted their attacking quality, although conceding three times also exposed defensive weaknesses.
Villarreal’s last six Champions League matches have produced 24 goals, an average of four per game.
With Liverpool strong favourites and both teams involved in high-scoring European encounters, combining a home victory with over 3.5 goals looks appealing.
Bradley Barcola to score anytime
Bradley Barcola announced himself on the European stage for Liverpool with a hat-trick against LASK.
The French winger has quickly become an important attacking option for Iraola, particularly with injuries limiting his alternatives.
Villarreal have conceded in 13 consecutive UEFA competition matches.
Their defensive record suggests Barcola should get opportunities to add to his Champions League tally.
Both teams to score
Liverpool’s attacking performances have been impressive, but keeping clean sheets has proved more difficult.
They conceded three against LASK and also needed to come from behind against Brentford on Saturday.
Villarreal scored three against Napoli in their last Champions League outing, with Georges Mikautadze among the goalscorers.
The visitors may struggle to contain Liverpool, but they possess enough attacking quality to contribute to the scoring.
Sign up to QuinnBet, deposit and place qualifying bets to get 50% back up to £25 as a Free Bet.
What is Liverpool’s predicted team?
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Alisson; Frimpong, Araújo, Jacquet, Tsimikas; Nyoni, Gravenberch; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Barcola; Koumas.
Injured: Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitiké, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni.
Doubt: Jeremie Frimpong.
Andoni Iraola has several injury concerns ahead of Tuesday’s match.
Szoboszlai is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Ekitiké, Bradley and Leoni remain unavailable.
Frimpong was forced off against Brentford and faces a late fitness assessment.
Ryan Gravenberch is available again after missing Saturday’s league victory through suspension.
Barcola should retain his place following his impressive Champions League hat-trick, while Florian Wirtz provides creativity behind the striker.
Iraola could also turn to Alexander Isak or Alexis Mac Allister if he decides against making extensive changes.
What is Villarreal’s predicted team?
Formation: 4-4-2
Luíz Júnior; Mouriño, Navarro, Veiga, Romero; Saliba, Comesaña, Gueye, Moleiro; Moreno, Mikautadze.
Injured: Nicolas Pépé, Tajon Buchanan.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Villarreal manager Iñigo Pérez will be without Nicolas Pépé and Tajon Buchanan for the trip to Anfield.
Both players are unavailable through injury, limiting the visitors’ options in wide areas.
Georges Mikautadze should lead the attack alongside Gerard Moreno.
Alberto Moleiro offers creativity from midfield, while Pape Gueye and Santi Comesaña will be important in disrupting Liverpool’s passing game.
Villarreal are expected to retain their 4-4-2 formation as they attempt to frustrate the hosts.
Liverpool vs Villarreal stats
- Liverpool have won both Champions League matches this season, scoring eight goals.
- Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick in Liverpool’s 6-3 victory over LASK.
- Liverpool have won 15 of their last 16 Champions League group or league-phase home matches.
- Villarreal have lost their last six European away matches, conceding 16 goals.
- Villarreal have conceded in 13 consecutive UEFA competition matches.
- The Spanish side have never beaten an English club in the Champions League proper, drawing six and losing ten.
Where can I watch Liverpool vs Villarreal?
Liverpool host Villarreal at Anfield on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, with kick-off at 8 pm BST.
United Kingdom: Amazon Prime Video.
United States: Paramount+ and ViX, with kick-off at 3 pm ET.
Canada: DAZN Canada, with kick-off at 3 pm ET.
Liverpool vs Villarreal prediction
Liverpool have been difficult to stop in Europe this season.
Eight goals in two matches demonstrate their attacking potential, while Barcola’s emergence has given Iraola another dangerous option.
However, the Reds have shown they can be vulnerable defensively.
Villarreal will take encouragement from their 3-1 victory over Napoli, although their European away record makes grim reading.
Six consecutive defeats on their travels, with 16 goals conceded, hardly inspires confidence ahead of a visit to Anfield.
The visitors have enough quality to cause Liverpool problems, particularly through Mikautadze and Moreno.
Nevertheless, Liverpool’s attacking options should prove too much over 90 minutes.
Score prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Villarreal
Some links in this article are affiliate links. EPL Bets receives commission from qualifying activity made through these links. This does not affect the odds or offers available to you. Odds available at the time of writing. 18+. New customers only. Opt in required.
