Bologna vs Aston Villa Prediction: Can Unai Emery and Aston Villa Record A Statement Win Over Bologna?

Unai Emery and Aston Villa will renew acquaintances with Bologna when they face each other in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League, which will feature on April 9, 2026, at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. A fixture that played out in matchweek 1 of the UEFA Europa League, saw the Villans walk out winners after a close 1-0 win. Unai Emery and Vincenzo Italiano are not managing teams that are used to drawing games, and it is expected to be a goal-fest on Thursday.

The Villans boss takes charge of his team in what will be his search for a fifth UEL title, while Italiano looks towards adding more silverware with the Red Blues by taking an important first leg advantage at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. With two managers at the helm, the upcoming contest promises end-to-end action, which might see a lot of goals and dramatic moments. Before we move on to team news, prediction and more, if you are among the fans, who are wondering where to watch or what channel is Aston Villa on today? We have also got it covered.

Bologna Injury and Suspension News

The news from the Bologna camp suggests that Thijs Dallinga is not fit to play. The Dutch attacker's unavailability is going to be a miss for Italiano's side, as the player has been influential and delivered some key performances for the Red Blues this season. Given below is a list of injured Bologna players who will miss the game against Villans.

Aston Villa Injury and Suspension News

The Spanish manager Unai Emery will be hoping to field their strongest possible side for such a high-stakes European encounter. But the Villans are expected to be dealing with a number of fitness concerns that could alter their team selection.

Bologna Predicted XI

The Red Blues are expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with team selection heavily influenced by the injury absentees confirmed closer to kick-off.

Bologna Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Federico Ravaglia
Defenders: Joao Mario, Jhon Lucumi, Torbjorn Heggem, Juan Miranda
Midfielders: Nikola Moro, Remo Freuler, Federico Bernardeschi, Lewis Ferguson, Jonathan Rowe
Forwards: Santiago Castro

Bologna vs Aston Villa Predicted XI

Unai Emery is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and Morgan Rogers leading the attack. The Scottish winger will be key between the trio and has made key goal contributions in 10 games for the Villans. Following the recent reports about Jadon Sancho's injury, the former Man United forward will be absent from Emery's bench in Italy.

Aston Villa Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
Defenders: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne
Midfielders: Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, Emiliano Buendia, Morgan Rogers
Forwards: Ollie Watkins

Bologna Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Federico Ravaglia
Defenders: Joao Mario, Jhon Lucumi, Torbjorn Heggem, Juan Miranda
Midfielders: Nikola Moro, Lewis Ferguson, Remo Freuler
Forwards: Federico Bernardeschi, Santiago Castro, Jonathan Rowe

Bologna vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head Record

If you look at the overall Bologna and Aston Villa head to head played in European club football competitions. The two teams have met each other in the group stages of the Champions League and other competitions over the years.

Villans To Rule Tonight? Sportsdunia's Bologna vs Aston Villa Prediction

With a tie of this magnitude and importance in the UEL, the upcoming clash will be box office for the neutrals tuning into the game on Thursday. With Unai Emery guiding Aston Villa and Vincenzo Italiano at the helm for Bologna, both managers will be focused on getting the right result on April 9.

Emiliano Martinez's form is arguably going to be the single biggest factor heading into this match. When the Argentine is available and in form, he is arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His anticipation, distribution, and making his clutch saves will be fuel for his teammates to give their maximum effort with the confidence of a leading man at the back.

On the other side, Vincenzo Italiano will be looking to salvage their season with an unlikely European silverware in their cabinet. Although success has been few and far between for Bologna in recent times, with their last major silverware being a Coppa Italia title during the 2024-25 season, they hold the advantage of playing in front of their own supporters at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, a factor that will be a key factor for the result. Aston Villa has shown an ability to move past their domestic form and perform at their very best in this competition, so Bologna will need to be at their very best.

Taking into account the squad availability on both sides, this game shapes up as an incredibly exciting contest, which favors the away side.

Sportsdunia's Bologna vs Aston Villa Prediction: Bologna 1-3 Aston Villa

While the road to the finals for both sides in this competition is visible, the team that manages their nerves on the night and converts their chances in front of the goal will be the winners.