Former Reds midfielder Jan Molby explains why Liverpool have advantage over Villarreal in Europa League

Liverpool will take on Villarreal in the Europa League semi-final and former midfielder Jan Molby believes the Reds have an advantage of qualifying for the final because they play the second leg at Anfield.

The Merseyside club sealed a berth in the last four of the second tier of Europe's club competition in an emphatic manner after defeating Borussia Dortmund 4-3 in the second leg at home. The first leg in Germany ended in a 1-1 draw and the Bundesliga outfit took a two goal lead before half time in the return leg.

However, four goals from Jurgen Klopp's side in the second half, which included a late goal from defender Dejan Lovren, helped Liverpool make it to the semi-finals of the Europa League. Molby has backed his former club to beat Villarreal to make it to the final in Basel.

"Villarreal are the fourth best team in Spain and play some really nice football. In Cedric Bakambu they have a striker who is on fire. He's going to be a real handful," Molby told the Liverpool Echo.

"Thursday night showed what a big advantage it is to play the second leg at Anfield and Liverpool will also have that luxury in the semi-final against Villarreal. That's a massive plus as Liverpool approach what will be a tricky tie.

"They don't have the same experience as Dortmund but they will be dangerous opponents."

Shakhtar Donetsk and Sevilla will face each other in the first semi-final of the Europa League. The Spanish outfit have won the competition for two years in a row and Molby believes it will be hard to predict as to which of the two clubs will make it to the final.

"The other semi is hard to call as Shakhtar Donetsk are fresh and finding form after their winter break. Sevilla have dominated this competition in recent years and they will fancy their chances of winning it for a third successive season after sneaking past Bilbao on penalties," he explained.

"In terms of who's left, it's a decent draw for Liverpool and with the second leg at home they have a wonderful opportunity to reach the final in Basel."