Both Bologna and Freiburg will be looking to convert their draws over the weekend into wins as they prepare to take on each other at the Stadio Dall'Ara in the second round of fixtures of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) league phase on Thursday night. Indeed, the hosts drew 2-2 at Lecce in Serie A, while the visitors were held to a 1-1 stalemate at home to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
In the UEL last time out, Bologna narrowly lost 1-0 away to Aston Villa, while Freiburg beat Basel 2-1 on home soil. Nonetheless, we are expecting a close affair when these two sides meet.
Contents
Bologna vs Freiburg prediction: A point apiece?
Key stats
- Bologna have won just once in four games in total in all competitions.
- Freiburg are unbeaten in five matches across all competitions, winning four of them.
- Bologna have won each of their two home games so far this season.
Correct score prediction: Bologna 1-1 Freiburg
Freiburg are in good form heading into this one, so we are backing them to nick a point. Bologna are strong at home, so they could also have a say in this contest.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bologna favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 1/1 (2.00) – 50.0%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Bologna are the favourites with bookmakers to claim all three points on home soil. Interestingly, a draw and a Freiburg win on their travels are separated by just 1.6%.
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: First-ever meeting
Interestingly, this will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides. There is not much between the Serie A and Bundesliga in terms of quality, so we are expecting a fairly close encounter.
Bologna preview: Casale back in training
Nicolo Casale is back in training for Bologna, but it is unlikely that he will be used from the start here. Both Ciro Immobile and Ibrahim Sulemana are still out with injury.
Predicted lineup: Skorupski (GK); Zortea, Vitik, Lucumi, Lykogiannis; Freuler, Ferguson; Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi & Castro
Last five results:
- Lecce 2-2 Bologna
- Aston Villa 1-0 Bologna
- Bologna 2-1 Genoa
- AC Milan 1-0 Bologna
- Bologna 1-0 Como
It is unclear whether Philipp Lienhart is fit enough to return to Freiburg's starting XI. Johan Manzambi was suspended for their Bundesliga fixture last weekend, but is available for selection here.
Predicted lineup: Atubolu (GK); Kubler, Ginter, Jung, Makengo; Eggestein, Osterhage; Beste, Manzambi, Grifo & Adamu
Last five results:
- Freiburg 1-1 Hoffenheim
- Freiburg 2-1 Basel
- Werder Bremen 0-3 Freiburg
- Freiburg 3-1 Stuttgart
- Freiburg 4-2 Luzern
Player to watch: Vincenzo Grifo
Serie A side Bologna will have to be wary of Italy international forward Vincenzo Grifo on Thursday night. He has already scored twice so far this season, and is undoubtedly one of Freiburg's key players that they will hope to rely on to try and unlock the door at the Stadio Dall'Ara.