Bologna vs Aston Villa: Prediction, H2H and probable lineups — April 9, 2026
Thursday at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna will set the stage for the first act of one of the most intriguing Europa League quarterfinal matchups: Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna hosts Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.
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Match preview
Under Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna have successfully built on Thiago Motta’s legacy in the 2025/2026 season. Despite a tough start to the campaign, the team has racked up seven wins in their last ten matches. However, as the crucial European showdown approaches, the Rossoblù are dealing with significant absences. The biggest blow is the injury to first-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, ruled out until May. They’re also missing defender Lykogiannis, midfielder Dominguez, and striker Thijs Dallinga. Bologna will have to rely on squad depth and the magic of their home support, where they haven’t lost in Europe for five straight games.
Aston Villa arrive in Italy as the tournament’s top favorites. Unai Emery is orchestrating a brilliant Europa League campaign: nine wins in ten games this season. The Villans boast one of the most powerful squads in the competition: Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, and John McGinn are all in top form. Recent signings like Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho have added attacking variety. Emery’s main trump card is his immense knockout-stage experience, where he can set up two-legged ties with surgical precision. The only concern is Pau Torres’ muscle issue, putting his starting spot in doubt.
Tactically, expect a battle for the initiative. Italiano will have Bologna pressing high, looking to deny Villa possession. Emery, on the other hand, is happy to concede space and bank on lightning-fast counters and Watkins’ individual brilliance in open areas.
Probable lineups
Bologna: Ravaglia — Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Miranda — Freuler, Moro — Orsolini, Ferguson, Ndoye — Castro
Aston Villa: Martinez — Cash, Konsa, Diego Carlos, Digne — McGinn, Onana, Tielemans — Bailey, Watkins, Rogers
Match facts and head-to-head
- Aston Villa have won both of the previous meetings: 2-0 and 1-0
- Bologna have won seven of their last ten matches, losing only twice
- Bologna have finished five of their last ten games with a 1-0 scoreline
- Aston Villa have lost five of their last ten matches, conceding in six of them
Prediction
I expect a cagey affair, with Bologna looking to keep things tight at the back and hit on the break. My pick: under 2.5 goals at 1.85
