Bologna vs Aston Villa Prediction: Bologna and Aston Villa are likely to draw 1-1 in their Europa League quarter-final first leg at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, as Bologna’s club-record 11-game unbeaten European home run provides resilience while Aston Villa’s perfect defensive record against Bologna across two previous meetings (three goals scored, zero conceded) and Unai Emery’s four Europa League titles ensure the visitors stay competitive on the road.
Key Insights
- Bologna host Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna, Italy.
- Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM local time (BST).
- Aston Villa have won both previous meetings against Bologna, scoring three goals and conceding none.
- Bologna are unbeaten in 11 consecutive European matches — a club record — with their only loss in 15 UEFA games coming at Villa Park.
- Aston Villa have won seven straight Europa League fixtures this season and carry a perfect record in the knockout rounds.
- Unai Emery has won the Europa League four times as a manager, making Villa strong contenders for the trophy.
- Bologna’s first-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski remains sidelined, with Federico Ravaglia continuing between the posts.
Bologna vs Aston Villa Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Europa League 2025-26 – Quarter-Final, First Leg |
| Date | Thursday, April 9, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 8:00 PM (local) / 7:00 PM (BST) |
| Venue | Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna |
| Referee | TBC |
| Bologna Manager | Vincenzo Italiano |
| Aston Villa Manager | Unai Emery |
| Bologna Serie A Position | 10th (trailing 6th-placed Roma by 9 points) |
| Aston Villa PL Position | 4th (5 points above Liverpool, 6 clear of Chelsea) |
On This Page
Bologna vs Aston Villa Preview: A Familiar Rivalry with High Stakes
This quarter-final represents the third meeting between Bologna and Aston Villa in just 18 months, and the pattern so far has been one-sided.
Villa won 2-0 in the 2024-25 Champions League group stage, then followed up with a 1-0 victory in the Europa League league phase earlier this season. Bologna have never scored against Emery’s side.
For Bologna, this is their first European quarter-final since the 1998-99 UEFA Cup, when they eliminated Lyon.
Vincenzo Italiano’s squad reached this stage by edging past Roma 5-4 on aggregate in a dramatic last-16 tie that required extra time.
Their European resilience is genuine — 11 games unbeaten is no accident.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, dispatched Lille 3-0 on aggregate in the round of 16, extending their remarkable run of nine wins from 10 Europa League matches this campaign.
Emery’s continental pedigree speaks for itself. The Spaniard is chasing a record-extending fifth Europa League title, and his tactical mastery in two-legged knockout ties remains elite.
Villa enter this fixture after a two-and-a-half-week break from competitive action.
Their last meaningful game was a 2-0 home win over West Ham on March 22. The extended rest could prove a double-edged sword — fresh legs but potentially rusty timing.
Predicted Bologna vs Aston Villa Lineups and Formations
Bologna (4-3-3): Ravaglia; Mario, Lucumí, Heggem, Miranda; Moro, Freuler, Ferguson; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Buendía, Rogers; Watkins
Italiano is expected to stick with his 4-3-3 system, relying on the creative output of Federico Bernardeschi and the pace of Jonathan Rowe on the flanks.
Lewis Ferguson anchors the midfield and has featured in all 12 of Bologna’s Europa League games this term.
Emery will likely deploy his 4-2-3-1 shape, with Youri Tielemans potentially returning to the starting XI for the first time in several weeks after benefiting from the international break.
Morgan Rogers continues to be Villa’s most dynamic attacking threat, while John McGinn — scorer in both previous meetings against Bologna — will operate in an advanced role.
Injuries and Absences: Who’s Missing?
Bologna
Bologna face several fitness concerns. Lukasz Skorupski (first-choice goalkeeper) remains out, so Federico Ravaglia will continue deputizing.
Martin Vitik is suspended after picking up cards against Roma.
The fitness of Benjamin Dominguez, Charalampos Lykogiannis, Thijs Dallinga, and Jens Odgaard is uncertain — all four missed the weekend trip to Cremonese.
On the positive side, Juan Miranda returns after serving a one-match UEFA suspension.
Aston Villa
Villa will be without Boubacar Kamara (long-term injury) and Ross Barkley, who was left off the UEFA squad list entirely.
Jadon Sancho suffered a shoulder injury during a friendly against Elche on March 27 and is ruled out.
The good news is that Youri Tielemans appears fit to start, and the extended break has allowed Emery to work with a near-full-strength squad.
Also Read Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Prediction.
Key Injury That Could Shift the Game
Sancho’s absence removes a significant creative outlet from Villa’s bench. His ability to change games as a substitute was a genuine weapon.
Bologna’s lack of Skorupski is equally significant — Ravaglia is competent but lacks the commanding presence of the Polish international in high-pressure European nights.
Tactical Analysis: How Both Sides Will Approach This
Bologna’s home form in Serie A has been notably poor — they have earned 11 more points on the road than at the Dall’Ara this season.
That statistic is alarming heading into a quarter-final first leg. Italiano will likely prioritize defensive solidity and look to exploit transitions, with Rowe’s pace and Bernardeschi’s experience providing the primary attacking threat.
Emery’s Villa are built on controlled possession and disciplined defensive structure.
The double pivot of Onana and Tielemans gives them midfield dominance, while Rogers’ ability to carry the ball through central areas creates problems for any defensive setup.
Villa’s approach in away European ties has been pragmatic — they won 1-0 at Lille in the last round and will be content with a clean sheet and an away goal.
Key Players to Watch
John McGinn (Aston Villa)
John McGinn (Aston Villa) has scored in both previous games against Bologna and has nine European goals for Villa.
One more makes him the first player in the club’s history to reach double figures in continental competition.
His energy, timing of runs, and big-game mentality make him the most dangerous player in this fixture.
Federico Bernardeschi (Bologna)
Federico Bernardeschi (Bologna) has five Europa League goals this season, including strikes in both legs against Roma.
The experienced Italian international carries Bologna’s creative burden and thrives under the pressure of knockout football.
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) has been Villa’s standout performer in 2026. His direct running, press resistance, and ability to link midfield with attack give Emery’s side a different dimension.
Head-to-Head: Who Has the Edge?
The historical record is entirely in Villa’s favor. Two meetings, two wins, three goals scored, zero conceded.
Bologna have simply not found a way to break down Emery’s defensive organization.
Villa’s 100% record against the Rossoblu, combined with Emery’s four Europa League titles, gives them a clear psychological and tactical advantage.
Where to Watch Live?
| Country | Broadcaster/Platform |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports 2, HBO Max, BBC Radio 5 Live |
| United States | Paramount+, TUDN, UniMás, ViX |
| Italy | Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport 252, NOW TV |
| Germany | RTL+ |
| France | Canal+ Foot, Canal+ Live 2 |
| Spain | Movistar+ |
| Australia | Stan Sport |
| Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
| India | Sony LIV, Sony TEN 1/2/3 |
Standings
| Team | League | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | Premier League | 4th | Competing for top-5 finish |
| Bologna | Serie A | ~10th | 9 points behind 6th-placed Roma |
Bologna’s domestic struggles mean the Europa League is essentially their only realistic path back into European competition next season.
Villa, sitting fourth in the Premier League, have the luxury of dual routes to the Champions League.
Bologna vs Aston Villa Prediction
Predicted Bologna vs Aston Villa Correct Score: Bologna 1-1 Aston Villa.
Bologna’s European resilience at home — 11 games unbeaten — suggests they will not fold easily.
However, Villa’s defensive discipline under Emery and their perfect record against this opponent make a clean defeat unlikely.
A draw suits Villa perfectly heading into the second leg at Villa Park, where they have won both previous encounters against Bologna. Expect a tight, tactically disciplined contest with few clear-cut chances.
FAQs
Where To Watch Bologna vs Aston Villa Live?
Fans can watch Bologna vs Aston Villa live on TNT Sports 2 and HBO Max in the UK, Paramount+ and TUDN in the USA, Sky Sport Uno and NOW TV in Italy, DAZN and fuboTV in Canada, Stan Sport in Australia, Canal+ Foot in France, RTL+ in Germany, Movistar+ in Spain, and Sony LIV and Sony TEN networks in India.
Who Will Win Bologna vs Aston Villa Match?
Aston Villa hold the edge to avoid defeat against Bologna, as Unai Emery’s side have won both previous meetings with a combined 3-0 scoreline, carry a seven-game Europa League winning streak this season, and benefit from Emery’s unmatched record of four Europa League titles as manager.
What is Bologna vs Aston Villa Match Kick-Off Time?
Bologna vs Aston Villa kicks off at 8:00 PM local Italian time (7:00 PM BST) on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna for the Europa League quarter-final first leg.
Are There Any Injuries in Bologna vs Aston Villa Match?
Bologna are missing goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski (long-term injury), defender Martin Vitik (suspended), and face fitness doubts over Benjamin Dominguez, Charalampos Lykogiannis, Thijs Dallinga, and Jens Odgaard, while Aston Villa are without Boubacar Kamara (long-term injury), Jadon Sancho (shoulder injury), and Ross Barkley (excluded from the UEFA squad list).
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Bologna vs Aston Villa Match?
The correct score prediction for Bologna vs Aston Villa is 1-1, as Bologna’s club-record 11-game unbeaten European run makes them tough to beat at home while Aston Villa’s flawless defensive record against Bologna and Emery’s tactical discipline in away knockout ties should prevent defeat.
Aston Villa Standing with Points?
Aston Villa currently sit 4th in the Premier League, holding a five-point cushion over Liverpool in fifth and a six-point gap ahead of Chelsea, as they compete for a top-five finish that would secure Champions League qualification for the 2026-27 season.
Bologna Standing With Points?
Bologna currently occupy approximately 10th place in Serie A, trailing sixth-placed Roma by nine points, which makes their Europa League campaign the most realistic route back into European competition next season after falling out of domestic contention.