BETTING GUIDE: Bologna vs Aston Villa, match preview, team news and prediction
.jpeg)
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 08.04.26. | 20:31
Looking at the head-to-head record, Aston Villa have dominated recent meetings, winning both encounters against Bologna without conceding a goal
Meeting for the third time in two seasons, Aston Villa and Bologna will convene at Stadio Dall’Ara for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday evening.
Download Our MozzartSport App For More News
After losing twice in England, the Italian side are now aiming to extend a long streak without European defeat; meanwhile, Villa will seek an eighth straight win in UEFA’s second-tier tournament.
Bologna head into this fixture in solid form, having gone unbeaten in 11 consecutive European matches.
Across their last five games in all competitions, they have recorded three wins, one draw, and one loss, scoring eight goals while conceding six.
Domestically, Bologna sit outside the European qualification spots in Serie A, trailing the top six, which makes this competition their primary route back into continental football.
Their home form has been mixed compared to their away performances, but they remain difficult to break down, especially in European fixtures.
From a team news perspective, Bologna will be without Martin Vitik due to suspension, while goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski remains sidelined, leaving Federico Ravaglia to continue in goal.
There are also doubts over several players including Jens Odgaard and Thijs Dallinga.
Key players to watch include Federico Bernardeschi, who has been influential in attack with five Europa League goals, and a consistent presence in midfield who has featured in every European match this season.
Jonathan Rowe also offers attacking threat, contributing regularly in recent games.
Aston Villa arrive with strong European momentum, having won nine of their ten Europa League matches this season, including six consecutive victories.
In their last five matches overall, they have picked up three wins and two losses, scoring seven goals and conceding five.
Currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, Villa are firmly in the race for Champions League qualification, but their European campaign remains a major focus.
Away from home, Villa have shown resilience, and their experience in European knockout ties gives them an edge.
However, they have not played a competitive match for over two weeks, which could impact match sharpness.
Unai Emery’s side will be without Boubacar Kamara due to injury, while Ross Barkley is ineligible and Jadon Sancho is sidelined.
Despite this, they still boast key figures such as John McGinn, who has a strong scoring record in Europe, and Ollie Watkins, who leads the attack effectively.
Looking at the head-to-head record, Aston Villa have dominated recent meetings, winning both encounters against Bologna without conceding a goal.
This psychological edge could prove significant heading into the first leg, especially given Bologna’s struggles to break them down previously.
Key Pointers;
- Bologna are on a long unbeaten run in Europe, highlighting their resilience
- Aston Villa have won 9 of their last 10 Europa League matches, showing strong form
- Villa have won both previous meetings with Bologna, keeping clean sheets in each
- Bologna’s defensive discipline and unbeaten European streak suggest they can compete strongly, while Villa’s experience and attacking quality make them dangerous opponents
The prediction for this encounter is a draw, with both sides expected to cancel each other out in the first leg, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the return fixture.
Prediction; Draw
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling