Liverpool's predicted lineup for their clash against Villarreal

Liverpool will kickstart their Champions League semi-final tie against Villarreal at Anfield tonight. The first leg will kick-off at 08:00pm.

Below is our predicted Liverpool XI for the clash.

Alisson - Goalkeeper

We would be shocked if Liverpool's No.1 goalkeeper did not start in the first leg of a Champions League semi-final tie.

Alisson was solid against Everton at Anfield last weekend. The Brazil international stood up when he needed to.

Trent Alexander-Arnold - Right-back

Alexander-Arnold is the only recognised senior right-back at the club. Therefore, he will clearly start against Villarreal.

Alexander-Arnold has had a reasonable season thus far. The Scouser has been averaging a WhoScored player rating of 7.49 across all competitions.

Ibrahima Konate - Centre-back

Konate did not start in the Merseyside derby last weekend. With that being the case, we could see the Frenchman taking to the pitch tonight.

Konate has started a number of games for Liverpool in recent times. In fact, the centre-back has scored three goals this month.

Virgil van Dijk - Centre-back

Van Dijk, who is arguably Liverpool's best player, is not going to be rested for tonight's match. There is too much on the line.

We look forward to seeing the Dutchman lead Liverpool's back four.

Andy Robertson - Left-back

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp could turn to Kostas Tsimikas in favour of Robertson for the first leg. But, we don't expect that to happen.

As we have implied, you should always pick your best team for a Champions League semi-final clash.

Robertson was superb against Everton at Anfield last weekend. The left-back played with energy and scored a goal.

Fabinho - Holding midfield

Fabinho is another key cog in Klopp's team. The Brazil international keeps the ball moving and protects the back four when he needs to.

Hopefully Fabinho can play his role to perfection against Villarreal.

Jordan Henderson - Midfield

Henderson did not start in the Merseyside derby. With that being the case, we do expect the captain to feature against Villarreal.

The Reds will need Henderson's leadership in such a big fixture.

Naby Keita - Midfield

Keita provided good energy around the pitch against Everton. In a game which could be quite chaotic, Liverpool will need someone who can dribble with the ball, put a tackle in and press.

Keita is exactly that player.

Mohamed Salah - Wing

Salah has been terrific in the Champions League this season. The winger has found the back of the net eight times in 10 appearances.

It would be fair to assume that Klopp will stick with his main attacker for tonight's match.

Luis Diaz - Wing

Diaz came on as a second-half substitute against Everton and looked incredible. The Colombia international added pace and energy to Liverpool's attack.

Diaz ended up registering an assist against the Toffees. Due to the winger's lack of playing time at the weekend, we do expect him to start against Villarreal.

Sadio Mane - Striker

Mane has played quite centrally in recent games. To be fair, the Senegal international has been playing well.

Mane has scored three goals in his last three appearances for the Reds. Ultimately, the 30-year-old deserves to start tonight.

The second leg will take place at the Estadio de la Ceramica on the 3rd of May. Hopefully Liverpool can get a decent result tonight to take some pressure off.

Despite the fact that tonight could be quite stressful, we do advise the Anfield faithful to enjoy themselves. It is not every day you get to see your side play in the latter stages of the Champions League.