Villarreal’s narrow win ended Liverpool’s 12-game unbeaten run in this season’s Europa League and left the Merseyside outfit with it all to do at Anfield. Ironically, it is the Spanish side that are now 12 games without defeat in Europe’s second tier competition as they look to reach the Europa League final for the first time, too.Everyone loves a stat and for those who bet by them the fact that 59% of teams that have won 1-0 at home in the first leg of Europa League knockout ties have gone on to progress to the next round. Not great news for Liverpool, but you can find Villarreal to qualify at 8/13 which is a tidy price for a team who could settle for a 0-0 at Anfield.
Their away form in La Liga, though, is not wholly compelling with a 6-6-6 record which includes a recent loss at relegation threatened Rayo Vallecano. With Liverpool having to score, we can see this game being full of goals in comparison to the first fixture, with Liverpool and Over 2.5 goals at 15/8, its a good price considering both must go out at it from the start.

They haven’t lost in this competition since that opening encounter and have scored in every game bar the second leg at Leverkusen where they gained a 0-0 draw that saw them progress 2-0 but their defense doesn’t look rock solid. The only problem is where the Liverpool goals are going to come form. Firmino has been the shining light on a drab season up front, so if he starts a good price of 11/2 to break the deadlock, whilst you can find in form Bakambu at 6/1, a wholly price considering he has scored nine goals in this seasons competition.

Liverpool’s display against a fine Dortmund side bodes well for their chances of sinking the Yellow Submarine but they did have an away goal in their favour that night and rather than back them to win at 4/5 in 90 minutes or to qualify, I’m prepared to risk a couple of correct scores at 2-1 and 3-1 in what promises to be another tense, enthralling European encounter which looks sure to go to the wire. 2-1 final score is priced at 15/2, whereas 3-1 is coming up at 14/1.