Liverpool v Villarreal: Reds face tough task to make it to the final

Europa League Semi Final 2nd Leg
Thursday 05 May 2016 - 8:05 pm
Anfield
Liverpool3
0Villarreal
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⚽️ own goal7'
⚽️ Sturridge63'
⚽️ Lallana81'
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A week on from that disappointing late goal in Spain, the reds welcome Villarreal to Anfield in the second leg of the Europa League semi final.

In the week that has separated those two fixtures Liverpool were soundly beaten 3-1 away at Swansea, whilst Villarreal went to Valencia to record a 2-0 win.

Their win was despite resting several first team players and it ensured they qualify for next season's Champions League via their league position.

Ironically, Liverpool's weekend defeat ended any outlandish thoughts of Liverpool finishing in the top four.

The reds have been boosted by the return of Emre Can to fitness, and he should be included in the match squad, whilst Danny Ings has also stepped up his recovery from a serious cruciate ligament injury.

Jurgen Klopp yesterday insisted that the reds could use the atmosphere to their advantage:

"It’s not that I always from now on expect wonders from us or from the crowd in difficult, close games, but we have all felt how big the influence is of an outstanding atmosphere. In this week of wonderful weather on Merseyside, maybe the only good weather of the year, everybody could be in the perfect mood. Everything is like it should be.

“Forget everything that went before, don’t think about after the game, just focus on the game and do whatever you can. Fight for your life”

Liverpool fans are once again preparing to welcome the team coach into Anfield by meeting on the Anfield Road before kick off.

Liverpool were knocked out on away goals at this stage of the competition 6 years ago, and a goal tonight from Villarreal will mean the reds need to score two more goals than the opponents.  Any goal from Villarreal also ends the possibility of penalties.

Video: Klopp and Lovren Pre-Match Press Conference

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM9Ab8rApog

Is it on TV?

In the UK you can watch it live on BT Sport Europe.  A highlights programme will be broadcast on ITV at 10:40 pm.

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