Aston Villa vs Bologna preview, prediction, head-to-head, team news, possible line-ups, and betting tips

Adesoji Michael

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4 Minutes Read
September 24, 2025

A thrilling European night is on the cards at Villa Park as Premier League side Aston Villa hosts Italian Serie A outfit Bologna in a captivating UEFA Europa League group stage encounter. This fixture presents a fascinating clash of footballing styles, with Villa’s high-intensity, physical approach coming up against the tactical and defensive discipline of Bologna. With both teams looking to make a strong start to their European campaign, expect an electric atmosphere in Birmingham for what promises to be a high-quality affair.

This match preview will delve into the critical statistics, tactical battles, and team news that will shape this cross-continental clash. Aston Villa’s formidable record at Villa Park makes them the favourites, but Bologna’s strong recent form and tactical astuteness mean they are a dangerous opponent who cannot be underestimated. For punters, this match offers a wealth of intriguing betting angles.

Aston Villa v Bologna Match Preview

Team Recent Form

Aston Villa: W D L W W
Bologna: D W W D W

Key Stats

Villa Park Fortress: Aston Villa have been immense on their own turf, having won 10 of their last 12 home matches in all competitions, scoring 2 or more goals in 9 of those victories.
Italian Steel: Bologna have built their success on a solid defence, currently riding a 9-match unbeaten streak and having kept a clean sheet in 4 of their last 6 games.
Clash of Nations: English teams have a strong recent record when hosting Italian sides in this competition, having won 6 of the last 8 such encounters.

Correct Score Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Bologna

I am predicting a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Aston Villa. This will be a classic European encounter where Villa’s attacking power and home advantage will clash with Bologna’s tactical discipline. Bologna’s impressive unbeaten run and defensive solidity will make them very difficult to break down, and they possess the quality on the counter-attack to get a goal. However, the intensity of Villa Park on a European night, combined with the clinical finishing of Ollie Watkins, should be just enough for the Premier League side to edge out their Italian opponents and secure a vital three points.

Aston Villa v Bologna H2H

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Aston Villa and Bologna, making it a historic occasion.
Aston Villa have a strong record against Italian opposition at Villa Park, having lost just once in their last 6 home matches against Serie A teams.
Bologna have struggled on their travels to England, having failed to win in their three previous competitive matches on English soil.
The key head-to-head is the clash of styles: Villa’s high-tempo Premier League approach versus Bologna’s structured, tactical Serie A game plan.

Pre-game Odds

Aston Villa to win: 1.80
Draw: 3.75
Bologna to win: 4.50

(Odds are subject to change and were correct at the time of writing)

Team News Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, a specialist in this competition, may look to rotate his squad slightly with a crucial Premier League match on the weekend. Key players like captain John McGinn may start on the bench to manage their minutes. However, star striker Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the line as Villa looks to secure an early advantage in the group. There are no new major injury concerns for the home side.

Team News Bologna

Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano has a near full-strength squad for the trip to England, a significant boost for their chances. Their star forward, Joshua Zirkzee, has been in excellent form and will be the focal point of their attack. Bologna are expected to set up in a compact 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to absorb pressure and hit Villa on the break with the pace of their wingers.