Aston Villa vs Bologna Europa League: Match Preview, Predicted XIs and Injury News
Aston Villa are gearing up for a tricky Europa League tie against Serie A outfit Bologna on Thursday evening. Can the Villans record their first win of the season?
In their last game, Villa had to settle for a draw against Sunderland, despite their opponents being down to ten men for most of the game. Despite having several chances to win the game, they were unable to capitalise on them.
Unai Emery has come under fire following Villa’s lacklustre start to the 2025/26 Premier League season. Can he provide them with a reversal of fortunes in the Europa League? His record in the competition is nothing short of phenomenal.
Bologna, on the other hand, have enjoyed a decent start to the Serie A campaign. They currently sit eighth in the league table with two wins and two defeats from their opening four games.
Aston Villa predicted XI
GK: Emi Martinez
RB: Matty Cash
CB: Ezri Konsa
CB: Tyrone Mings
LB: Ian Maatsen
CM: John McGinn
CM: Boubacar Kamara
RW: Donyell Malen
AM: Morgan Rogers
LW: Jadon Sancho
ST: Ollie Watkins
Bologna predicted XI
GK: Lukasz Skorupski
CB: Jhon Lucumi
CB: Torbjørn Heggem
LB: Juan Miranda
CM: Remo Freuler
CM: Lewis Ferguson
LW: Nicolò Cambiaghi
ST: Santiago Castro
Injury news
Villa have four players who will miss out on the game against Bologna. Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, Andres Garcia and Ross Barkley have all been ruled out of contention for Thursday night’s encounter.
Onana, Tielemans and Garcia could all be back in action in the next few weeks, but it is unclear when Barkley will be fit to play again. Tielemans is currently under assessment and seems to be the closest to full fitness out of the four.
Match prediction
A game such as this is difficult to predict. Villa could put their poor Premier League form aside and overcome their opposition, but Bologna are no pushovers.
The Italians have some strong attacking talent – most notably, Riccardo Orsolini. He has been at the club for over six years now, effectively becoming their talisman. He also plays for the Italian national team, having won 11 caps for his country.
Villa have struggled to score goals this season and Bologna are fairly tight at the back, having let three goals in over four games. As such, we believe this one will be a close game – a draw seems to be the most likely outcome.
Final prediction: 1-1
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