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Liverpool must not underestimate Villarreal, warns Charlie Nicholas in his Europa League predictions

Charlie Nicholas

Charlie Nicholas provides us with his predictions for the Europa League as Liverpool look to establish a first-leg lead.

Jurgen Klopp's men head to Villarreal on the back of a dramatic comeback victory over former favourites Borussia Dortmund, while back-to-back winners Sevilla travel to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Here's what Charlie is predicting for the two ties in his Sky Bet tips...

Villarreal v Liverpool

Dejan Lovren celebrates with Jurgen Klopp
Image: Liverpool produced a famous quarter-final comeback against Dortmund

I know my Soccer Saturday mate Thommo is very excited about the draw but Villarreal are a dangerous side. We know Roberto Soldado isn't quite the prolific striker he once was but they've got a real threat in Cedric Bakambu, who is very, very quick.

The situation with Mamadou Sakho concerns me because while Dejan Lovren has picked up Kolo Toure struggles against pace these days and I think Villarreal will look to exploit him.

Roberto Soldado, Villarreal training, El Madrigal, ahead of Europa League tie v Liverpool
Image: Liverpool will come up against former Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado on Thursday

They've got plenty of quality technical players in midfield and they're not that dissimilar to Manuel Pellegrini's side that Arsenal faced, so it's going to be a tough game.

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However, if Liverpool can rediscover top form again after Saturday's second-half lapse, I fancy them to come away with a 1-1 draw, which would be a very good result.

Charlie predicts: 1-1 and Bakambu to score first (25/1 with Sky Bet

Charlie predicts
Charlie predicts

Agree with Charlie? Follow his Sky Bet tip here.

Shakhtar Donetsk v Sevilla

Kevin Gameiro
Image: Kevin Gameiro has three goals in Sevilla's last three Europa League ties

Sevilla's record in this competition is obviously impressive and they're strong at home, but I'm not sure they're as good as they have been in the past.

Kevin Gameiro is their main threat, with 21 goals this season, and is a bit like Jamie Vardy. He's awkward but he's so quick that defenders don't know what to do with themselves, especially away from home.

Sevilla will be the favourites to go through here but I fancy Shakhtar to give themselves a chance. They've got a strong squad and they've always got a few talented Brazilians.

Charlie predicts: 2-1 (9/1 with Sky Bet)

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