Liverpool and Villarreal have met before, in the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2016, Liverpool won on that occasion (3-1 on aggregate) but how have Villarreal improved since then?
Villarreal have improved a lot. They have finally broken the barrier of the semi-finals, they've played two finals and won their first title. In Belfast [Super Cup final vs Chelsea], they only fell on penalties. They've returned to the Champions League and eliminated Atalanta, Juventus on their turf and Bayern at the Allianz.
They have a wonderful coach. He has a squad where most of the players have played for their national team and he has spent a huge amount on Arnaut Danjuma, when most of the teams in La Liga have spent almost nothing.
Villarreal has climbed many steps since that day [in 2016].
READ MORE: Alisson Becker names most 'special' trophy to win as Liverpool chase quadruple
READ MORE: 'In short' - Marco Asensio sends Mohamed Salah message amid Liverpool transfer rumours
Villarreal have overcome big opposition to reach the semi-finals, knocking out both Bayern Munich and Juventus so far. Does that give you confidence heading into the game?
Obviously [it has given us confidence]. Maybe Juve weren't at their best, but after eliminating Bayern at the Allianz, you've practically eliminated the best of the competition.
It is true that Liverpool are also in a very good moment, but the people here are very confident. In fact, Villarreal moves 3,000 fans to the game at Anfield, because they have incredible confidence in the team and in the coach. Emery has broken the barrier of the semi-finals, that was almost unimaginable before his arrival.
How will Unai Emery approach this tie, how is he expected to set up his team?
I expect something similar to the tie against Bayern. At Anfield, I expect he'll go with a slightly more defensive approach. With people like Manu Trigueros and Francis Coquelin helping the midfielders.
They'll try to pass the time in each throw-in and endure Liverpool's attacks. And in the second leg, surely with Gerard [Moreno] and even with the introduction of Yeremy Pino on the right, the team will be a little more offensive.
Which Villarreal players should Liverpool be concerned about?
The players Liverpool should watch out for are Danjuma and Giovani Lo Celso.
Former Liverpool left back Alberto Moreno joined Villarreal on a free transfer in 2019 - he's injured at the moment, but have supporters been impressed with him since his arrival?
The truth is that people really like Moreno. He is a very good player. In fact, if he wasn't injured, he would be a starter. He was key in Emery's system to help Pervis Estupinan on the wing, but he also helps a lot in attack, he has scored goals this year.
Danjuma has been a standout performer for Villarreal this season with 16 goals in all competitions. His form has resulted in widespread speculation over his future. Do supporters expect him to stay at the club this summer, or are they anticipating a departure?
If Villarreal plays the Champions League next year, he will surely continue [with the club]. Otherwise, he will surely be transferred. Villarreal expects a transfer of at least €50 million. So it very much limits the clubs he can go to, the two Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Chelsea and at most, outside of England, Bayern and Real Madrid could pay that amount.
Gerard Moreno suffered a hamstring injury in recent weeks and is a doubt for the game at Anfield. How does Unai Emery replace him and will he be a big miss for Villarreal?
Obviously it will be a big loss, perhaps the view outside of Spain is that the best in our squad is Danjuma. But for us, it is still Gerard. Emery will surely introduce Lo Celso as a false forward and Trigueros as a right winger.
With a Europa League trophy last season, a Champions League semi-final this season - are Villarreal fans starting to dream they can go all the way in the competition?
It is very easy to understand this. Many people will make a tremendous effort to travel to Liverpool, missing days from work or even some college classes.
But since Emery's arrival here, nothing is impossible. So many people who could make the trip to Liverpool, are hoping to play the final in Paris [the same place that hosted the Champions League final in 2006 when Villarreal reached the semi-finals].
