Three key battles in Villarreal v Liverpool

Bruno Soriano v Philippe Coutinho

With Divock Origi sidelined with an ankle injury for the rest of the season, Philippe Coutinho will help Daniel Sturridge shoulder the goal burden. The South American has scored six goals in his last 10 games in all competitions. Tasked with stopping Coutinho will be Bruno Soriano. The Villarreal midfielder is vastly experience and sits in front of the Spanish side’s defence, protecting the back four. The 31-year-old has scored five goals and has made one assist in 28 La Liga games, too. Coutinho will need to help a weakened Liverpool midfield keep on top of Bruno.

Denis Suarez v Nathaniel Clyne

Manchester City supporters should be familiar with Villarreal winger Denis Suarez. The 18-year-old spent a season at The Etihad before spells at Barcelona and Sevilla resulted in a move to the Yellow Submarine. The attacking midfielder has scored five goals and has made 10 assists in 41 games in La Liga and the Europa League this term. However, arguably Liverpool’s most-consistent defender this season, Nathaniel Clyne, should prove a match for the winger.

Cedric Bakambu v Dejan Lovren/Kolo Toure

With Mamadou Sakho sidelined pending an ongoing Uefa investigation, Liverpool will field a makeshift centre-half pairing on Thursday night. Dejan Lovren will start and Kolo Toure appears favourite to partner the Croatian. They will be tasked with keeping an eye on Cedric Bakambu. The 23-year-old has scored 23 times in all competitions for Villarreal this year. Bakambu should prove a handful for the Liverpool defence after having formed a decent partnership with ex-Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado.