Aston Villa vs Bologna prediction 22.10.2024 | Champions League

• Competition: Champions League
• Date: Tuesday, 22nd October, 2024
• Kickoff: 20:00 UK / 21:00 CEST
• Venue: Villa Park (Birmingham)

Unai Emery totally reformed Aston Villa, making them one of the best teams in England, despite having a much lower budget than teams like Arsenal, Liverpool, or Manchester City. The Villans proved that last season's success wasn't a fluke as they continued to play well in all competitions. Right now, they are in 4th place in the Premier League with just one point behind the first-placed Liverpool, although with a game played. When it comes to the Champions League, the Villans are doing great and are one of the only seven teams with both wins so far. With a potential win against Bologna, they would take a massive step in securing the next phase of the competition.

Bologna were a sensation last year in Italy as they finished 5th and secured their first Champions League appearance since the 1964/65 season when they competed in the European Cup. However, losing their X factor, coach Thiago Motta, pretty much meant that the Rossoblù would return to where they belong, and that is the middle of the Serie A table. They are now in 13th place with nine points in eight rounds and have won only one point in the Champions League. So, they are under pressure to win points against Aston Villa in order to have some chance of reaching the next stage.

Aston Villa vs Bologna pick: Aston Villa to win

Aston Villa have been incredible this season, losing only to Arsenal in 11 games this season in all competitions. But even against Arsenal, the Villans have been excellent and deserved at least a draw. During those 11 games, they won eight times - almost a 73% win rate.

On the other hand, Bologna have been terrible, as they won just once in 12 games in all competitions. What is even worse, they only had three tough opponents during that time - Napoli, Atalanta, and Liverpool (in the CL). Against those good teams, they won just one point and scored one goal. So, even scoring a goal against the Villans, which had two clean sheets in the previous two home games, will be a challenge.

Considering what we have seen from these teams this season, there is a massive difference in quality and form, and anything but a win for the Villans would be a surprise for us.