Europa League
The second legs of the Europa League semi finals take place tonight with both ties still in the balance and the distinct possibility of an all Spanish affair in the final.
Liverpool host Villarreal at Anfield trailing 1-0 from the first leg. They would have been bitterly disappointed to have conceded the goal in injury time, especially after missing a great chance themselves only a few minutes earlier, and they will need an excellent performance tonight if they are to progress against a solid and well organised Villarreal team
Emre Can was injured in the incredible victory against Borussia Dortmund and at the time it looked as though he season may have been over. However, he has made a remarkable recovery and after training since Monday this week, he is in line to start this match. Liverpool have really missed his creativity and steel in the middle of the park and if he is able to play, it would be a huge boost for them.
Daniel Sturridge looks back to full fitness now and after not being involved in the first leg, he will be chomping at the bit to get at this Villarreal defence. Liverpool will need Coutinho, Firmino and Sturridge to be right on their game if they are to make the final as I feel that Villarreal have enough to get a goal here, which would mean that Liverpool would need to score at least three times to go through. They showed in the quarter finals against Dortmund that they have what it takes to pull off a big win, it is up to them to go out and prove they can do it again.
The other semi final is in Seville where it is level after Sevilla scored a late penalty to give them two away goals and the slight advantage over Shakhtar Donetsk in my opinion.
Shakhtar are not the best travellers and I think they will find it tough Spain against a team that knows how to win this competition. I can see Sevilla winning this game in a reasonably comfortable fashion by a couple of goals.
Today's Selections
Liverpool v Villarreal - Both teams to score - 2 points @ 23/20 (Coral)
Liverpool to qualify - 3 points @ 6/4 (Paddy Power)
Sevilla v Shakhtar Donetsk - Sevilla minus one - (Coral)