Liverpool host Villarreal on Tuesday, 20 October, in one of the standout fixtures from the third matchday of the Champions League league phase.

The Reds go into the game with several players unavailable, but are still expected to field a competitive side featuring Virgil van Dijk, Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak.

Liverpool

Vitezslav Jaros, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley are all ruled out through injury. Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa are also unavailable because they are not eligible to play.

Despite those absences, Liverpool can call on a strong starting XI as they look to make an impact in their home fixture against Villarreal.

Liverpool’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

Defenders: Milos Kerkez, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo

Defensive midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch

Attacking midfielders: Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz, Victor Munoz

Striker: Alexander Isak

Liverpool’s latest Champions League fixture will see them meet Villarreal in a contest between two sides expected to combine defensive organisation with attacking quality.

Villarreal

Villarreal are also expected to name a balanced team for the visit to Anfield, with Renato Veiga set to provide physical strength in defence alongside Pau Navarro.

Pape Gueye and Santi Comesana could be tasked with providing protection in midfield, while the side’s attacking threat is likely to come from Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze.

The pair offer a complementary partnership and will look to link up in tight areas and take advantage of any openings in the Liverpool defence.

Tajon Buchanan and Nicolas Pepe are the notable absentees for Villarreal.

Villarreal’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi

Defenders: Alex Freeman, Pau Navarro, Renato Veiga, Sergi Cardona

Midfielders: Ilias Akhomach, Santi Comesana, Pape Gueye, Alberto Moleiro

Forwards: Gerard Moreno, Georges Mikautadze

Liverpool and Villarreal will meet in the third round of the Champions League league phase, with both clubs preparing for a significant test in their European campaigns.