Aston Villa vs Bologna Prediction: 22/10/2024

Aston Villa has been one of the surprise teams in this new Champions League format, quickly proving they belong at this level after the first two matchdays. The Villans kicked off their campaign in style, thrashing Young Boys 3-0 before securing an impressive 1-0 victory over European powerhouse Bayern Munich.

Currently sitting 6th in their Champions League group, the Birmingham-based side is eager to keep their positive momentum going. In the Premier League, Aston Villa occupies 5th place in the standings. Before the international break, they managed draws against Ipswich (2-2) and Manchester United (0-0), and following the break, they were set to face Fulham.

This Champions League clash against Bologna is somewhat unique, as Bologna also defied expectations by qualifying for the competition. However, the Italian side has struggled more on the European stage. They began their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk, followed by a 2-0 loss to Liverpool.

Their domestic form in Serie A has also been underwhelming, with only one win, five draws, and one defeat before the international break. They played against Genoa following the break, after drawing against Atalanta (1-1) and Parma (0-0), leaving Bologna 13th in Serie A after seven matches.

Aston Villa may still be without starting midfielder Onana, who was absent for their match against Manchester United and recently withdrew from Belgium’s squad due to injury. Defender Tyrone Mings and French midfielder Boubacar Kamara, who had long-term injuries, recently returned to action with the reserve team but are unlikely to be ready for first-team selection.

It’s uncertain whether captain John McGinn or midfielder Jacob Ramsey will recover in time for this fixture. Manager Unai Emery will rely on key players such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, left-back Lucas Digne, midfielder Youri Tielemans (who has one goal in the Champions League), and forward Jhon Durán (also with one Champions League goal) to lead the team.

Bologna, on the other hand, could see the return of summer signing Tommaso Pobega in midfield, who has been out for a month. However, long-term absentee Lewis Ferguson won’t be available until November, and midfielders Oussama El Azzouzi and forward Nicolò Cambiaghi remain injured.

Both are also not included in Bologna’s Champions League squad. Coach Vincenzo Italiano will rely on experienced players like Remo Freuler in midfield and a forward line that includes Ndoye, Thijs Dallinga, and Riccardo Orsolini (who has scored one goal in Serie A) in the hope of finding their first Champions League goal.

 

Prediction

Incredibly, at least one team has kept a clean sheet in 14 of Bologna’s last 15 games at this level, and they have failed to score in their last eight away matches. Aston Villa has also seen both teams score in only five of their previous 20 Champions League home fixtures. This suggests a low-scoring match is likely.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Bologna