Aston Villa continues their Champions League journey with a home clash against Bologna. After delivering a memorable performance earlier in the competition, Villa aims to build on their momentum. Bologna, despite some struggles, hopes to disrupt the English side’s impressive start.
Match Preview
Aston Villa returns to European action following their triumph over Bayern Munich at Villa Park. That victory, marked by an impressive team performance and a clinical finish from Jhon Duran, puts them in a commanding position with maximum points from two matches. Their campaign began with a 3-0 win over Young Boys in Switzerland, and now the Birmingham-based club aims for a third consecutive win without conceding, a feat previously achieved by Malaga in 2012 and Leicester City in 2016.
Unai Emery, known for his tactical expertise in European competitions, finds himself close to a career milestone. With 24 Champions League victories already, another win would make him only the fifth Spanish manager to secure 25 triumphs in the competition, joining esteemed names like Pep Guardiola and Rafa Benitez.
Domestically, Villa has enjoyed an exceptional start to the season, sitting comfortably within the Premier League’s top six. Their comeback win over Fulham at the weekend extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches. Goals from Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers, along with a key penalty save by Emiliano Martinez, secured a 2-1 victory. Villa’s tally of 17 points from eight games represents their best league start since 1998.
Bologna, meanwhile, arrives in Birmingham facing different challenges. Despite only suffering one loss since August, the Italian side has struggled to secure victories, recording just one win across all competitions. Under new coach Vincenzo Italiano, the team sits mid-table in Serie A and has drawn seven matches so far this season. They enter this game following a frustrating 2-2 draw against Genoa, where they squandered a two-goal lead in the final 20 minutes.
In Europe, Bologna’s fortunes have also been mixed. After a scoreless draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champions League opener, they fell to a narrow defeat in their second outing. The Italians will be wary of setting an unwanted record by becoming the first side since Austria Vienna in 2013 to fail to score in their first three group-stage fixtures.
Team News and Lineups
Aston Villa’s squad, hit by injuries before the international break, is beginning to regain strength. Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings have returned from extended absences, while captain John McGinn featured as a substitute in the weekend victory over Fulham. Emery’s lineup may see some rotation, but Watkins is expected to start up front, given his recent scoring form. Rogers, who has become a key player with his direct running and creativity, looks likely to keep his place after another standout performance. The young forward currently leads the Champions League in successful dribbles, five of which came during Villa’s win over Bayern Munich.
Bologna, on the other hand, will be managing injuries to several key players. Dan Ndoye and Michel Aebischer missed the recent draw with Genoa and remain doubtful. Samuel Iling-Junior and Martin Erlic are also sidelined, reducing the Italian club’s depth in key positions. Nicolo Cambiaghi, Oussama El Azzouzi, and Lewis Ferguson are ruled out, though Ferguson has resumed training and could soon return to action. Up front, teenage forward Santiago Castro is expected to lead the line, with captain Riccardo Orsolini providing attacking threat from the right wing. Orsolini recently ended a goal drought away from home in Serie A, scoring for the first time on the road since January.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Martinez
- Defenders: Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne
- Midfielders: Onana, Tielemans
- Attacking Midfielders: McGinn, Rogers, Ramsey
- Striker: Watkins
Bologna:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Skorupski
- Defenders: Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda
- Midfielders: Freuler, Moro
- Attacking Midfielders: Orsolini, Fabbian, Karlsson
- Striker: Castro
Tactical Preview
Villa’s attacking play has been bolstered by their midfielders’ ability to join the attack, with McGinn and Ramsey often contributing creatively in the final third. Watkins serves as a focal point for the offense, offering both goal-scoring threat and link-up play. Emery’s side will aim to control possession and exploit Bologna’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in wide areas where Rogers and McGinn can create space.
Bologna, known for their ability to grind out results, will likely adopt a cautious approach. Italiano’s side tends to stay compact defensively and look for opportunities to hit on the break, with Orsolini and Karlsson providing width and pace. However, with limited attacking options due to injuries, they may struggle to penetrate Villa’s defense.
Key Players to Watch
Aston Villa:
- Morgan Rogers: The in-form forward has been one of Villa’s standout performers, excelling in both domestic and European matches. His dribbling ability and creativity in the final third could be pivotal in breaking down Bologna’s defense.
- Ollie Watkins: Villa’s top striker has been in fine goal-scoring form. His movement off the ball and clinical finishing make him a constant threat.
Bologna:
- Riccardo Orsolini: The captain remains Bologna’s most dangerous player in attack. After scoring his first away goal in Serie A this year, he will be looking to inspire his side in a tough encounter.
- Santiago Castro: The young forward has shown promise and will be eager to make an impact on the big stage.
Match Prediction
Aston Villa’s momentum, combined with home advantage, makes them clear favorites for this encounter. With Bologna struggling to find consistency and facing injury concerns, the English side is well-positioned to secure another victory. Expect Villa to control the tempo from the start, with Watkins and Rogers leading the charge in attack.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Bologna
