The formations of Liverpool and Villarreal for the half of the Champions League are known. Jürgen Klopp brings Thiago Alcantara and Luis Díaz back to his squad, leaving Naby Keita and Diogo Jota on the bench. Arnaut Danjuma is on the side of Villarreal in the front next to Giovani Lo Celso, as Gerard Moreno did not recover in time from a muscle injury. Kick-off at Anfield is at 9 p.m.
Klopp can have an almost fit roster at the crucial stage of the season. The only doubtful case at Liverpool was Roberto Firmino beforehand, who is not on the bench, but the Brazilian striker is rarely in the starting line anyway. The central attacking position will be filled by Sadio Mané, leaving room on the left for top signing Díaz. The Colombian came on Sunday against Everton (2-0 win) after an hour of play. Mohamed Salah is the undisputed right striker of Liverpool.
Virgil van Dijk gets a new defense partner with Ibrahima Konaté. The Frenchman is preferred over Joël Matip, who played against Everton. Jordan Henderson and Thiago were spared against the city rivals, although the former came in eight minutes before the end. Now the pair return to the center line, where Fabinho retains his spot as controller.
Lineup Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz.
Villarreal line-up: rulli; Foyth, Raul Albiol, Torres, Estupinán; Chukwueze, Dani Parejo, Capoue, Coquelin; Lo Celso, Danjuma.