The Daily Star Ireland
Aston Villa return to European competition with unfinished business. Last season, they reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League and even came close to eliminating eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain in a thrilling encounter. However, failing to qualify again for Europe’s top competition has left them in the Europa League, where expectations remain high despite their current struggles.
Domestically, the Birmingham side has endured a poor start to the campaign. Lucas Digne and his teammates are still searching for their first league victory, having suffered defeats to Brentford (1-0) and Crystal Palace (3-0) before salvaging a goalless draw against Everton. Their trip to Sunderland over the weekend could provide some relief, but pressure is mounting on the squad to rediscover form quickly.
Bologna’s European Journey and Early Season Struggles
Bologna, too, featured in last season’s Champions League but failed to progress beyond the group stage. A ninth-place finish in Serie A last May would normally have ended their continental ambitions, but triumph in the Coppa Italia secured them a valuable Europa League berth.
Much like their English counterparts, Bologna have had a shaky start to the new season. The Rossoblù lost to AS Roma (1-0) and AC Milan (1-0), though they managed a narrow victory over newly promoted Como. Next weekend’s meeting with Genoa is already being viewed as an important test of their resilience as they seek to climb back into form.
Team News and Key Players
Aston Villa’s stuttering start has been compounded by an injury list that continues to grow. Defenders Matty Cash and Andrés García are doubts, while midfielders Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana are struggling with fitness issues. Ross Barkley is also unavailable, further limiting options in central areas. On the attacking front, England internationals Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins have yet to make a real impact, with Villa still goalless in league play ahead of their clash with Sunderland.
Bologna also face setbacks in their squad. Summer signings Nicolò Casale, Tommaso Pobega, and striker Ciro Immobile—expected to be key additions—are all unlikely to feature. Holm and Sulemana also remain sidelined. On the brighter side, winger Riccardo Orsolini, who already has a goal in Serie A, is expected to play a central role, supported by Federico Bernardeschi’s experience. English winger Samuel Rowe, a recent arrival from Marseille, could also make an impact.
Prediction
Bologna’s recent fixtures have been packed with goals, with their last 14 top-flight matches producing at least three goals per game—an impressive run that has seen them outscore opponents 44 to 11. Aston Villa’s Europa League outings have also tended to be high-scoring, with nine of their last ten games seeing over 2.5 goals.
Given both teams’ attacking potential but also their defensive frailties, fans can expect an open and entertaining contest at Villa Park. The English side, under pressure to deliver, may just edge it on home soil.
Predicted Score: Aston Villa 2 – 1 Bologna
