Liverpool vs Bologna Preview
- Liverpool to win
- Both teams to score
Six-time UEFA Champions League (UCL)/European Cup winners Liverpool kicked off their league phase campaign with a strong 3-1 victory over AC Milan in Italy. On matchday two, they host another Serie A side, Bologna, at Anfield.
Liverpool will be confident of securing another victory, as they’ve won their last ten group/league stage home matches in major European competitions, scoring at least two goals in nine of those outings.
Additionally, the Reds’ strong start to the season, which sees them sitting atop the Premier League table with seven wins from eight matches (L1), has added to the positive atmosphere around the club.
However, Liverpool’s history against Italian teams suggests they must tread carefully. Their last European home defeat came against Serie A side Atalanta, and no nation’s clubs have beaten Liverpool more often at Anfield than those from Italy (seven wins—level with Spain).
Moreover, the Reds have lost three of their last five home games against Serie A teams (W2), adding an element of uncertainty to the fixture.
Bologna’s Return to European Competition After Six Decades
Bologna are back in the UCL/European Cup for the first time in 60 years following a fifth-place finish in Serie A last season. The Italian side began their campaign with a goalless draw at home against Shakhtar Donetsk, which fits with their tendency to draw games this season.
Under new manager Vincenzo Italiano, who took over in the summer, Bologna have already been involved in five draws (W1, L1).
Bologna’s record against English teams in European competition is balanced, with three wins, one draw, and two losses across six matches, with those fixtures averaging over 2.5 goals per game. Both teams have found the net in five of Bologna’s seven matches this season, indicating that a high-scoring encounter could be on the cards at Anfield.
Key Players to Watch
Federico Chiesa (Liverpool)
Summer signing Chiesa has only featured in a limited capacity so far, but he could play a more prominent role in this match due to his impressive record against Bologna.
Chiesa is unbeaten in 11 career H2H encounters with Bologna (W5, D6) and has netted seven goals against them, making him a player to watch as he looks to make his mark at Liverpool.
Łukasz Skorupski (Bologna)
The Bologna goalkeeper is likely to have a busy evening facing Liverpool’s potent attack, especially given his past encounters with Chiesa.
Skorupski has conceded five goals to the Italian forward in their last five meetings (D3, L2). His performance between the sticks could be pivotal to Bologna’s chances of getting a result.
Liverpool’s Strong European Form vs Bologna’s Scoring Tendencies
- Liverpool’s European home form: Ten consecutive group/league stage home wins in major European competitions, scoring 2+ goals in nine of those.
- Liverpool’s record vs Serie A sides: Three losses in their last five home matches against Italian teams (W2).
- Bologna’s European record vs English clubs: Six matches played (W3, D1, L2), with an average of over 2.5 goals per game.
Conclusion
Liverpool are expected to maintain their formidable European home record, but Bologna’s return to the UCL has already demonstrated their resilience, with their tendency to draw games and willingness to score against stronger opposition.
While Liverpool are favourites, Bologna’s scoring tendencies and history of competitive matches against English teams suggest that this could be an entertaining fixture with goals on both sides.
Prediction: Liverpool to secure the win in a high-scoring contest, but Bologna’s attacking potential means both teams are likely to find the net.
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