Verdict: Ollie Watkins over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Getting their Europa League quarter-final adventure underway on Thursday night, Aston Villa will travel over to Italy when they meet Bologna for their first-leg showdown.
Bologna
Starting with the hosts, collecting a famous Europa League scalp last month as they send domestic rivals and Italian giants Roma packing, Bologna have shattered a string of records this season. Last seen over the weekend making an immediate return to winning ways as they secured a 2-1 victory away at Cremonese, the Greyhounds certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Winning three of their previous four appearances across all competitions, Vincenzo Italiano’s side will now be searching for some much-welcomed defensive steel. Despite edging past Roma on March 19th following a six-goal thriller at the Stadio Olimpico, Bologna have registered just a sole clean sheet from any of their last six outings across all fronts and they get their quarter-final adventure underway pencilled in as an underdog contender in Emilia-Romagna.
Bologna Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Bologna will once again be without the likes of Benjamin Dominguez, Charalampos Lykogiannis and Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski on Thursday night.
While Scotland international Lewis Ferguson might have been shown a dramatic late red card away at Cremonese over the weekend, the former Aberdeen starlet is free to feature here. Registering five direct goal contributions in as many appearances (three goals, two assists), one-time Norwich starlet Jonathan Rowe should play a leading role in the final third.
Aston Villa
As for the visitors, claiming what was a much-welcomed boost prior to March’s international break, Aston Villa will be looking to make a European statement when they travel to Italy on Thursday night. Last seen heading into the fortnight interval with a routine 2-0 victory at home against relegation scrappers West Ham, Unai Emery’s men are widely regarded as a standout Europa League contender this season. However, despite extending on their respective European adventure last month as they secured a 3-0 aggregate victory against French giants Lille, Villa are searching for some recent stability on their travels. Last seen outside of the Midlands getting hit with a 3-1 loss at the hands of Manchester United, Emery’s side have claimed just a sole win from any of their previous four matchups away from Villa Park.
Aston Villa Team News
Still dealing with a long-term knee injury, French international Boubacar Kamara is set to miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign. However, recently returning from a muscle issue, Youri Tielemans could be set to make a first start since the end of January.
Finding the net against West Ham prior to March’s international break, Ollie Watkins will spearhead Emery’s charge on Thursday night. Although England international is expected to make a return to Old Trafford this summer, the Manchester United loanee could keep his spot alongside Watkins in the final third.
Bologna vs Aston Villa Key Factors to Consider
- Aston Villa have won each of their two European showdowns against Bologna by a 3-0 aggregate score.
- However, Emery’s side have registered just a sole win from their previous four matchups outside of the Midlands.
- Bologna have registered just a single clean sheet from their previous six appearances across all competitions.
- The Greyhounds have won just a pair of their last 13 straight showdowns in Emilia-Romagna – a run that stems all the way back to December 4th.
- England U21 international Jonathan Rowe has registered five direct goal contributions in as many appearances (three goals, two assists).
Conclusion
Winning each of their previous two European showdowns against Bologna by an aggregate score of 3-0, Aston Villa will be looking to claim a first-leg advantage on foreign soil. With Bologna remarkably registering just a pair of wins from any of their previous 13 consecutive appearances in Emilia-Romagna, Emery’s men are pencilled in as a standout contender in Italy. With the Greyhounds also showing some defensive struggles on either side of March’s international break, Villa could be smelling the chance to make a real statement.
Verdict: Ollie Watkins over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
