Match for the 1st round of the Europa League’s League Phase at Villa Park in Birmingham, home of Aston Villa.
What We Know
- The two teams met last season in the Champions League’s League Phase at the same venue, with Aston Villa winning 2-0 (0-0 HT).
- Aston Villa’s last five European games went Over 2.5, four of them also BTTS + Over 3.5.
- Six of Aston Villa’s eight Champions League League Phase games last season finished N/G, four of them in the 0-1 goals range.
- Three of Aston Villa’s four home games in the same competition ended BTTS: No + Under 2.5.
- Three of Bologna’s last four European games finished in the 2-3 goals range.
- Six of Bologna’s last eight European games ended Under 2.5.
- All four of Bologna’s away games in Europe last season ended Under 2.5, three of them were without both teams scoring.
Betting Tip: Aston Villa - Bologna
The teams met here last season, but compared to then, Aston Villa now look a shadow of themselves, struggling badly in attack. Bologna remain solid and have gained valuable European experience. With Villa’s scoring issues and Bologna’s likely defensive setup, under 2.5 goals seems a sensible call. With bookmakers heavily favouring the hosts, there is room for contrarian bets for the brave.
- Prediction: Under 2.5 goals
- Odds: 3 (at the time of writing)
- Stake: 1.85
Aston Villa
Villa’s Champions League run last season was remarkable. They finished 8th in the League Phase with 16 points, qualifying for the round of 16. There, they eliminated Club Brugge (3-1, 3-0) before being stopped in the quarterfinals by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Domestically, they finished sixth in the Premier League, missing out on a Champions League spot only on goal difference. Spanish coach Unai Emery remains at the helm. The main departure was Jacob Ramsey (central midfield, Newcastle), while the most important arrival was Evann Guessand (centre forward, Nice).
Not many changes overall compared to last season. However, this campaign has started poorly, with several negative results and, most notably, a severe scoring drought. Goals have become a real problem, and their attack lacks fluency.
Bologna
Bologna’s previous season was a dream one. They not only participated in the Champions League’s League Phase, where they secured their first-ever win in the competition, but also celebrated their first trophy in 51 years by lifting the Coppa Italia. That triumph earned them this season’s European ticket. Coach Vincenzo Italiano has full backing from the board after his excellent work.
Departures included Dan Ndoye (winger, Nottingham Forest) and Sam Beukema (centre back, Napoli). Arrivals featured Jonathan Rowe (winger, Marseille), Martin Vitik (centre back, Sparta Prague), Torbjorn Heggem (centre back, West Brom) and Nadir Zortea (right back, Cagliari).
In Serie A, their start has been balanced with two wins and two defeats. On Saturday, they came from behind to beat Genoa 2-1 at home, showing resilience and character.
