Europa League semi-final betting preview: Villarreal vs Liverpool

Villarreal will look to maintain their 100% record in home games in this season's Europa League when they host Liverpool in the semi-final first leg at El Madrigal on 28 April. Marcelino's side have won all six of their home games in Europe this campaign, but are without a victory in their last 10 competitive meetings with English clubs.

The La Liga club were held to a goalless draw by Real Sociedad at the weekend and are backed at 8/5 by Betfair to return to winning ways in the first leg.

Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana scored to give Liverpool a 2-0 lead against Newcastle United at Anfield on 23 April, but second-half goals from Papiss Cisse and Jack Colback meant the Reds had to settle for a point. The visitors are 11/5 to win in Spain., while a draw is priced at 12/5.

Villarreal are facing Liverpool in European competition for the first time, but the two teams played each other in a pre-season friendly in 2008, drawing 0-0 at El Madrigal. A repeat of the same scoreline in the first leg is placed at 17/2.

At 5/8, the Merseysiders are backed to knock out Villarreal over both legs and reach the final in Basel.