Aston Villa lead Bologna 3-1, as the two sides prepare to meet at Villa Park on Thursday night, for the second leg of their 2025/26 Europa League Quarter Final.
Last week’s first leg saw the English Premier League side leave Italy with a two-goal lead, thanks to goals from Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins.
Unai Emery’s side missed the chance to further solidify their place in the top five of the English Premier League table, as they drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
They now return to European action looking to reach their second European semi-final in three seasons, having failed to win only two of their last 15 European home matches.
Bologna have lost five consecutive matches to English opposition, including Aston Villa, who beat them when these two sides met in the League Phase of this competition.
In fact, that defeat remains one of only two losses from their last 16 European ties, though the other one also came against Aston Villa last week.
Manager Vincenzo Italiano’s side likely won’t qualify for a European competition by way of their position in the Serie A table, further highlighting the importance of this tournament.
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What are the best bets for Aston Villa vs Bologna?
Aston Villa to win
The hosts have everything in their favour, so it is easy to back Villa to get the job done here.
Villa’s home advantage, along with their good record against Bologna – whose form against English sides leaves a lot to be desired – means I can only see this match going one way.
Expect Bologna to make it difficult, however, as they have won all five of their European away matches since losing on this ground in September.
Both teams to score
Both teams found the net in last week’s clash, and I expect the same to happen in this match, though Villa should have too much quality in their side.
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Ollie Watkins anytime goalscorer
Back Ollie Watkins to be on target once again, having netted two of Villa’s three goals in last week’s first leg.
Where can I watch Aston Villa vs Bologna?
CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ and ViX are all showing this match live in the United States. Kick-off is at 15:00 EST, on Thursday, April 16.
In the UK, viewers should tune into TNT Sports to watch this match live. Kick-off is at 20:00 BST.
What is Aston Villa’s current form?
W-W-L-W-D
What is Bologna’s current form?
W-L-W-L-W
What were the results of head-to-head matches between Aston Villa and Bologna?
09/04/26 – Bologna 1-3 Aston Villa (Europa League – QF:1st leg)
25/09/25 – Aston Villa 1-0 Bologna (Europa League – League Phase)
22/10/24 – Aston Villa 2-0 Bologna (Champions League – League Phase)
What is Aston Villa’s predicted team?
Bizot – Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne – Onana, Tielemans – McGinn, Rogers, Buendia – Watkins
Injured: Kamara, Martinez
Doubt: Sancho
What is Bologna’s predicted team?
Ravaglia – Mario, Vitik, Hegem, Miranda – Moro, Freuler – Bernardeschi, Ferguson, Rowe – Castro
Injured: Skorupski
Doubt: Helland, Dallinga, Lykogiannis, Dominguez
Suspended: Lucumi
