Unai Emery’s Aston Villa travel to Italy to face Bologna in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
Bologna vs Aston Villa Match Summary
Bologna welcome Aston Villa to the Renato Dall'Ara for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final on Thursday evening. This is the third time these two sides have crossed paths in European competition in less than two seasons, with Villa winning both previous meetings without conceding.
Vincenzo Italiano's men arrive off the back of a dramatic 5-4 aggregate victory over Roma, while Unai Emery's side cruised past Lille 3-0 on aggregate.
Bologna vs Aston Villa Current Form
Bologna have been on a remarkable run in Europe, remaining unbeaten in the Europa League this season at home and stringing together 11 matches without defeat in the competition. Their round of 16 victory over Roma was chaotic but showed real resilience, with Italiano's side refusing to buckle under pressure across a thrilling two-legged affair. Domestically, a recent 2-1 win over Cremonese in Serie A suggests their confidence levels are high heading into this quarter-final.
Aston Villa, though, have been the more convincing side in knockout football. Seven consecutive Europa League wins tell their own story, and the composed 3-0 aggregate dismissal of Lille demonstrated the control Emery's outfit can exert over two legs. Villa's away form in Europe has been particularly strong, with four wins from five outings on the road. Emery's pedigree in this tournament, having won it four times previously, adds another layer of authority to their campaign.
Bologna vs Aston Villa Match News
Injuries & Suspensions
Bologna
Bologna head into this quarter-final carrying significant absentees, and Vincenzo Italiano faces a real reshuffle across his squad. Federico Bernardeschi is the attacking focal point to watch, having contributed five goals in the Europa League this season, and Santiago Castro is expected to lead the line in his absence of the injured strikers.
Aston Villa
Unai Emery has a largely fit and settled squad to call upon. Ollie Watkins leads the attack and has been particularly effective in the latter stages of matches, while John McGinn, who scored in both previous meetings with Bologna, is the midfield figure most likely to make the decisive contribution.
Bologna vs Aston Villa Predicted Lineup
Bologna
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Starting Lineup: Ravaglia; Zortea, Heggem, Lucumí, Mário; Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe
Aston Villa
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Starting Lineup: Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Luiz, Onana; Bailey, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins
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Bologna vs Aston Villa Key Stats & Match Facts
- Aston Villa have won both previous meetings against Bologna without conceding a single goal.
- John McGinn has scored in each of Villa's two prior fixtures against Bologna.
- Bologna are unbeaten at home in the Europa League this season and have gone 11 matches without defeat in the competition overall.
- Aston Villa have won seven consecutive Europa League matches, progressing past Lille with a 3-0 aggregate victory in the last round.
- Villa's away record in Europe this season reads four wins from five outings.
Bologna vs Aston Villa Prediction
Our prediction is Aston Villa to take the advantage from this first leg. Emery's side have won seven on the bounce in Europe and their defensive record against Bologna is spotless across two previous meetings. The hosts are without a clutch of key players and, while their spirit at the Renato Dall'Ara has been commendable throughout the competition, Villa have too much quality and clinical edge across the pitch. Bologna will press and create chances, but Villa look well placed to nick it and head back to Birmingham with something to build on.
Match Prediction: Bologna 1-2 Aston Villa
Bologna vs Aston Villa Bet Builder
This fixture’s bet builder brings together four selections at best odds of 10/1 with bet365. We are backing Jonathan Rowe to attempt over 1.5 shots, a line he has cleared in five of his last seven Europa League appearances, highlighting his consistent attacking output. We also lean on Aston Villa to win, given they have won their last seven Europa League matches in a row and arrive in excellent form.
In the fouls market, we are backing Lewis Ferguson to commit over 1.5 fouls, a selection supported by him reaching that mark in five of his last six Europa League games, reflecting his aggressive style in midfield. To complete the builder, we back Santiago Castro to register at least one shot on target, as he has hit the target in six of his last eight Europa League appearances, underlining his reliability in front of goal.
