Aston Villa vs Bologna

Aston Villa welcome Bologna to Villa Park on Thursday evening holding a commanding 3-1 lead from the first leg of this UEFA Europa League quarter-final.

Ollie Watkins' brace and Ezri Konsa's goal in Italy have left Unai Emery's side firmly in control of this tie, and with eight consecutive European home wins behind them, a semi-final berth looks well within reach.

Bologna, though, arrive with nothing to lose and a strong record on the road in this competition, having won five straight Europa League away fixtures. Something has to give in what could still be a lively second leg in the Midlands.

Aston Villa vs Bologna Form

Villa's European form this season has been nothing short of outstanding. They have won 10 of their 11 Europa League matches, including every home fixture, and their record of 15 wins from 17 outings at Villa Park in major European competition underlines just how difficult they are to beat on their own patch. Domestically, they sit fourth in the Premier League table and have lost just once in their last five across all competitions.

Bologna, sitting eighth in Serie A, have been solid enough on the road, winning three of their last five across all competitions. Their five consecutive Europa League away wins since losing at Villa Park earlier in the season is a notable run, and they have scored in 19 straight away matches. That kind of attacking consistency on the road means they will not simply roll over here, even with the tie looking all but settled.

Aston Villa vs Bologna Predicted Lineups

Aston Villa

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins

Villa head into this fixture with three players unavailable through injury, while Emiliano Martinez remains a doubt after missing the weekend with a fitness issue. Should he be ruled out, it is a notable absence given Villa's goalkeepers have made a competition-high 44 saves this term. Watkins continues to lead the line and his brace in the first leg took him to nine goals in major European competition for the club, with one more here making him the outright record-holder.

Bologna

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Starting Lineup: Ravaglia; Mario, Casale, Heggem, Miranda; Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega; Rowe, Castro, Bernardeschi

Bologna arrive with their squad stretched thin. Jhon Lucumi is suspended, adding to a lengthy injury list that has weakened both their spine and depth. Federico Bernardeschi leads their scoring charts in this competition with five goals, four of which have arrived after half-time, suggesting he grows into matches as the pressure mounts. Jonathan Rowe offers directness and unpredictability on the flank and his late goal in the first leg proved he can shift the momentum of a tie on his own.

Aston Villa vs Bologna Key Stats & Match Facts

  • Aston Villa have won all eight of their last eight Europa League matches and have scored two or more goals in six of those outings.
  • Aston Villa have won all three previous European meetings against Bologna, scoring seven goals and conceding just one.
  • Ollie Watkins has scored or assisted in each of his last three Europa League appearances.
  • Jonathan Rowe has scored or assisted in three consecutive Europa League outings for Bologna.
  • Bologna have attempted a competition-high 243 shots in the Europa League this season, with 83 on target.

Aston Villa vs Bologna Match Prediction

Our prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Bologna.

Villa's home record speaks for itself and with a two-goal cushion to protect, Emery's side have every reason to control this tie from start to finish. Bologna will need to throw bodies forward, which should leave gaps for Villa to exploit. Expect the hosts to see the job through, but do not be surprised if Bologna find the net given their relentless shot volume and away scoring streak.

Aston Villa vs Bologna Bet Builder

Our four legged bet builder tip for Aston Villa vs Bologna is: 

Remo Freuler - Over 1.5 Fouls
This bet has landed in all four of Freuler's previous UEL appearances.

Federico Bernardeschi - Over 1.5 Fouls
Bernadeschi has committed over 1.5 fouls in five of his last seven Europa League matches.

Jonathan Rowe - Over 1.5 Shots
Rowe has had over 1.5 shots in six of his previous eight UEL starts, including six in the first leg of this tie. 

Over 2.5 Bologna Cards
This bet has landed in three of Bologna's last four UEL matches.