Liverpool aim to extend perfect Champions League start against Villarreal

Liverpool will look to preserve their 100% record in the Champions League when Villarreal visit Anfield on Tuesday.

The Reds began the league phase with a home victory over Atletico Madrid before following it with an emphatic 6-3 win away at LASK last week. Andoni Iraola’s side have therefore taken maximum points from their opening two matches and will attempt to continue that run in front of their home supporters.

Villarreal have collected three points from their first two fixtures. They were beaten by Borussia Dortmund before responding with an impressive victory over Napoli last week.

Liverpool have won three of the clubs’ four previous meetings, giving them the advantage in the head-to-head record. Villarreal will need to produce their best performance under the lights at Anfield if they are to improve that record.

Liverpool are expected to be without Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong after both players were forced off against Brentford with muscle injuries. Their absences would leave Iraola with decisions to make as he prepares his team for another European fixture.

Villarreal have no injury concerns, providing a boost for Inigo Perez and his squad as they travel to England.

The match will begin at 20:00 UK time at Anfield on Tuesday.

Liverpool’s expected starting XI is: Alisson; Gomez, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.

Villarreal’s expected line-up is: Junior; Mourino, Navarro, Veiga, Romero; Saliba, Comesana, Gueye, Moleiro; Moreno, Mikautadze.

Perez is aiming to guide Villarreal to only their second victory over Liverpool in five attempts. The Spanish club have, however, lost each of their past three meetings with the Reds.

Villarreal are still waiting for their first win against an English club in the Champions League proper. Their record in those matches stands at six draws and 10 defeats.

Liverpool’s home record in the competition is strong, with the club winning 15 of their last 16 Champions League group-stage or league-phase matches.

They have also won their past seven Champions League league-phase games against Spanish opposition, a run they will hope to extend against Villarreal.