As Aston Villa gears up to host Bologna on Tuesday night, they aim to build on their recent heroics at Villa Park, showcasing their ambition in this Champions League season.
Recent Performances
Villa’s recent performances have been impressive, highlighted by their triumphant 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in their inaugural home match of the Champions League. Under Unai Emery, the Villans have demonstrated solid form, clinching maximum points with a committed defensive display and a stunning late goal from Jhon Duran. Previously, they secured a convincing victory against Young Boys, and another win this week would mark Emery’s 25th Champions League victory, placing him among the top five Spanish managers in the competition’s history.
Currently sitting in a strong position within the Premier League, Villa has amassed 17 points from their first eight matches, their best start since 1998. The team extended their unbeaten streak to nine games with a comeback win over Fulham, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess through goals from Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers.
Bologna’s Struggles
In contrast, Bologna arrives in Birmingham struggling to find form. The Italian side has managed just one win across all competitions this season and has drawn an astounding seven matches, including a recent disappointing draw against Genoa. Despite showing promise with goals from Riccardo Orsolini and Jens Odgaard, Bologna let their lead slip late in the match, illustrating their ongoing struggles in front of goal.
Under the management of Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna occupies 13th place in Serie A, with only one win in their last ten matches. Following a goalless draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champions League opener, they risk becoming the first team since 2013 to go scoreless in their first three group-stage games.
Team News
Aston Villa welcomes back key players from injury, with Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings returning to the squad. Captain John McGinn also made a comeback last weekend. Emery might rotate his lineup, but the in-form Morgan Rogers is expected to retain his place alongside Ollie Watkins in attack.
Conversely, Bologna faces injury challenges, with several players, including Dan Ndoye and Michel Aebischer, ruled out. Teenage striker Santiago Castro is likely to start in their attack, supported by captain Riccardo Orsolini, who is looking to build on his recent success.
Predicted Lineups
- Aston Villa:
Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins - Bologna:
Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Fabbian, Karlsson; Castro
Match Outlook
While Aston Villa enjoys home advantage and significant momentum, Bologna’s cautious approach may lead to a more subdued encounter. However, the Italian side’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities could cost them once again against a Villa side eager to maintain their winning streak.
