Liverpool vs Villarreal: prediction for the Champions League fixture
Liverpool welcome Villarreal to Anfield for the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie on Wednesday. Which team has a better chance to win today? Here's our prediction.

Command Analysis

Liverpool

Liverpool are unbelievably good this season. The team won all six games at the Champions League group stage, which is the best result for any English club, and cruised past the Italian champions Inter Milan in the first round of the playoffs (2:1 on aggregate).
In the quarterfinals, the Reds won at Benfica (3:1) and played out a high-scoring draw in England (3:3). Those results put the team through to the semifinals.
Jurgen Klopp's side has already won the League Cup and will attempt to win a quadruple - Liverpool's chances in the Champions League are high, they have reached the final of the FA Cup, and can snatch the Premier League title from Manchester City.
Liverpool are currently 2nd on the log with 79 points from 33 games, just one point behind the defending champions. The Merseysiders have registered 85 goals this season, which is the best attacking record in the Premier League. In the last two games, the Reds beat Manchester United (4:0) and Everton (2:0).
Firmino is carrying a knock and might not be able to feature in this game.

Villarreal

Villarreal got a last-minute ticket to the playoffs following their victory over Atalanta in the last group game. They finished in 2nd place and met with Juventus in the last 16. The Yellow Submarine defeated the Italian club and knocked Bayern Munich out of the competition in the previous match.
The Spanish side was knocked out of Copa Del Rey by representatives of La Liga 2 Sporting Gijon (1:2). Unai Emery's side hasn't been very successful in the domestic league, either. Currently, the team is in 7th place in the standings with 52 points. In the last two matches, Villarreal defeated Getafe (2:1) and Valencia (2:0).
Alberto Moreno and Gerard Moreno have been ruled out of this fixture.
Trends
СтавкаCorners: total under 9.5
This bet played in 2 of the last 3 games of Villarreal.

СтавкаGoals in both halves - yes
In 2 of Villarreal's last 4 games, goals were scored in both halves.

СтавкаCorrect score 3:1
Both opponents have tied in 2 of their last 3 games.

СтавкаPenalties: no
There were no penalties in the last 3 games of the visitors.

Tip and bets
We expect Liverpool to dominate this game. The Reds have a more powerful team and they will enjoy the support of the stands. Villarreal played several great games but overall the team is too inconsistent.
Our prediction — Asian handicap (-1,5) to Liverpool
Liverpool have thrived this season and are one of the favourites to win the UEFA Champions League. Villarreal will attemp to withhold the likes of Salah and Mane, but Liverpool's attack is simply too good. Plus, Villarreal lost 2 of their last 4 away games by two or more goals.
Second bet — Liverpool to win by 2 goals