Aston Villa will welcome Bologna to Villa Park in their first game of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) league phase on Thursday night. The hosts are still searching for their first win of the 2025/26 campaign, having only scored one goal in their opening five matches in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the visitors have been inconsistent in Serie A, with two wins and two defeats so far. Nonetheless, both teams are searching for an uptick in form, with the hope that this clash could spark them into life.
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Key stats
- Villa are winless in six games in total in all competitions.
- Bologna have lost both of their away matches this season.
- Villa's last two games have seen both teams score.
Correct score prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Bologna
With Villa low on confidence and Bologna being inconsistent, we can see the points being shared here. Given that both teams have only scored five goals between them as well so far this season, we are also expecting a low-scoring affair.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Villa favoured for victory
- HOME: 5/6 (1.83) – 54.5%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Villa are favoured by bookmakers to earn their first win of the season on home soil. A draw can be backed at just under 28%, while a Bologna victory is rated at 4% lower.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page, as well as our Europa League predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Villa triumph in UCL
Incidentally, these two teams faced off at Villa Park in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase last season. Villa won that particular game 2-0, with John McGinn and the now departed Jhon Duran getting the goals.
UEFA Champions League 22/10/24
Aston Villa
Bologna
Aston Villa preview: Plenty of injuries
Villa will again be without Andres Garcia, Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans and Ross Barkley through injury. Attacking deficiencies could see new signings Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho drafted into the starting XI.
Predicted lineup: Martinez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, McGinn; Elliott, Rogers, Sancho & Watkins
Last five results:
- Sunderland 1-1 Aston Villa
- Brentford 1-1 Aston Villa (4-2 pens)
- Everton 0-0 Aston Villa
- Aston Villa 0-3 Crystal Palace
- Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa
Bologna preview: Holm ready to start?
Emil Holm returned to the bench after injury for Bologna's 2-1 win at home to Genoa last time out, and so could be in contention to start. However, Nicolo Casale, Ibrahim Sulemana and Tommaso Pobega remain on the treatment table for the visitors.
Predicted lineup: Skorupski (GK); Zortea, Vitik, Heggem, Holm; Freuler, Moro; Orsolini, Fabbian, Cambiaghi & Castro
Last five results:
- Bologna 2-1 Genoa
- AC Milan 1-0 Bologna
- Bologna 1-0 Como
- Roma 1-0 Bologna
- Bologna 2-4 OFI
Player to watch: Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins is yet to get off the mark for Villa this season, and has been guilty of missing too many chances. However, the striker boasts nine goals across all European competitions in his career so far, and so this fixture could be a turning point for him.