Liverpool and Villarreal name probable line-ups for Champions League meeting

Liverpool host Villarreal on Tuesday, 20 October, in one of the standout fixtures of the third matchday in the Champions League. The Reds will be without several players, but can still field a strong side featuring Virgil van Dijk, Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak.

Liverpool

Liverpool are expected to make full use of their squad despite a number of absences. Vitezslav Jaros, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley are unavailable because of injury, while Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa are ineligible for the match.

The proposed line-up includes Alisson Becker in goal, with a back four of Milos Kerkez, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo.

Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to form the defensive midfield pairing. Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz and Victor Munoz would operate in the attacking midfield positions, supporting Alexander Isak as the central striker.

Liverpool’s probable XI:

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

Defenders: Milos Kerkez, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo

Defensive midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch

Attacking midfielders: Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz, Victor Munoz

Striker: Alexander Isak

Villarreal

Villarreal are also expected to combine defensive strength with attacking creativity as they prepare to face Liverpool.

Renato Veiga could partner Pau Navarro at the centre of defence, bringing physical power to the back line. In midfield, Pape Gueye and Santi Comesana are expected to provide balance and protection, with Ilias Akhomach and Alberto Moleiro completing the likely midfield four.

Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze are tipped to lead the attack. Their different qualities could allow Villarreal to combine in tight areas and create opportunities against the English side’s defence.

Tajon Buchanan and Nicolas Pepe are the notable absentees from the Villarreal squad.

Villarreal’s probable XI:

Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi

Defenders: Alex Freeman, Pau Navarro, Renato Veiga, Sergi Cardona

Midfielders: Ilias Akhomach, Santi Comesana, Pape Gueye, Alberto Moleiro

Forwards: Gerard Moreno, Georges Mikautadze

The match will be Liverpool’s third fixture of the league phase of the Champions League, with Villarreal providing the opposition at Anfield.