Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
A spate of injuries has impacted Bologna's results, with the team securing just one victory in their ten matches this season. Aston Villa, meanwhile, dispatched Fulham (3:1) over the weekend. The team are in form and following their triumph over Bayern Munich, they have a promising chance of making it to the top 8.
Aston Villa
Against the Munich side, Aston Villa's excellent form played a crucial role, as they held their own against a top-tier opponent to pick up significant points, defying advanced statistics (0.25 vs 1.47 in xG). In their away match against Fulham, the Birmingham side waited for their moment, securing a comeback victory, with attacking substitutes Jhon Durán and Ross Barkley injecting fresh energy into the game.
Bologna
The loss of Thiago Motta likely contributes significantly to Bologna's downturn. In the Champions League, they are yet to find the back of the net—drawing 0:0 with Shakhtar Donetsk and losing 0:2 to Liverpool. On Saturday, the Italian side squandered a two-goal lead against relegation-zone Genoa (2:2). It's likely Nicolò Cambiaghi, Oussama El Azzouzi, Michel Aebischer, Martin Erlić, and Aston Villa loanee Samuel Iling-Junior will not travel to Birmingham due to injuries.
Aston Villa vs Bologna Prediction
Bologna are unlikely to score their first Champions League goals against Aston Villa, whose form is undisputed. We’re betting on the hosts to win.
