Pratinjau Aston Villa vs Bologna

• Imbang atau Villa menang
• Di bawah 2,5 gol

The UEFA Europa League has long been a competition associated with Unai Emery, and the Aston Villa boss will be desperate for its familiar stage to inspire a turnaround in fortunes. Villa have endured a torrid start to the 2025/26 campaign, failing to win in six competitive outings so far while scoring just twice (D3, L3). Their problems came to a head last weekend in a frustrating 1-1 draw away to newly-promoted Sunderland, where even a red card for their opponents could not tip the balance in Villa’s favour. Emery went as far as describing his players as “lazy,” highlighting concerns about application as well as quality.

Despite the gloom, European competition could provide the tonic Villa need. Last season they enjoyed a thrilling run to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, with Villa Park proving an intimidating setting for some of Europe’s biggest names. Emery, the most successful manager in UEL history, has a staggering record in the competition. He has overseen more games (93), more wins (56), and lifted more titles (4) than anyone else. His experience includes guiding teams to the final in each of his last five full UEL campaigns, a pedigree that ensures Villa cannot be underestimated despite their current domestic struggles.

Bologna, meanwhile, arrive with their own ambitions and a sense of optimism after snatching a dramatic late victory in Serie A. Vincenzo Italiano’s men were staring down the barrel of a frustrating draw against Genoa before a 99th-minute penalty sealed a 2-1 comeback win. The momentum from that dramatic result could prove vital as they look to establish themselves in Europe, though there are still nagging doubts. Their record on the road has been a problem this term, with both of their league defeats coming away from home by 1-0 scorelines. Add to that the fact they scored just once in four European away matches during last season’s Champions League campaign (D2, L2), and it becomes clear that their attacking output on their travels needs improvement.

This season represents Bologna’s first back-to-back European campaigns in two decades, underlining the progress they have made domestically. Yet the challenge of facing a seasoned European outfit like Villa away from home is significant, and it will provide a stern early test of their credentials.

Riwayat Head-to-Head

This will not be the first time Villa Park hosts Bologna. The two sides met on this ground last season in the UEFA Champions League group stage, with Villa running out 2-0 winners in a result that showcased their strength at home. Bologna now have the chance to exact revenge, but history is not on their side.

Indeed, Bologna are winless in their last five European meetings with English opposition (D1, L4), a run that stretches back to March 1967. Their last victory over an English side in Europe is now a distant memory, and they will need to overturn that trend if they are to leave Birmingham with a positive result. Villa, meanwhile, will look to draw on both recent history and Emery’s expertise to maintain their dominance.

Statistik dan Streak Panas

• None of Aston Villa’s last four home matches in all competitions have seen both teams score.
• Villa avoided defeat in all six of their European home fixtures last season (W5, D1), keeping four clean sheets in the process.
• All four of Bologna’s competitive matches this season have been goalless at half-time.
• Bologna boss Vincenzo Italiano has lost all three of his managerial meetings with English opponents.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

Matty Cash is proving an unlikely source of goals for Aston Villa, having struck in three of his last five appearances for club and country.

Two of those goals came after the break, suggesting his forward bursts from defence could be especially potent in the latter stages of games. In a side that has struggled for creativity and cutting edge, his energy and directness provide an additional weapon.

For Bologna, Santiago Castro arrives in confident mood after opening his account for the season at the weekend.

His strike was the third of his last four to arrive after the 70th minute, pointing to his knack for making an impact when defences tire. Bologna will likely look to him to capitalise on any lapses in Villa’s concentration, particularly if the match becomes stretched in the latter stages.

On the injury front, Aston Villa continue to be hampered by absences. Belgian midfield duo Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans have both missed recent matches through injury, robbing Emery of two key figures in the centre of the park. Bologna also have concerns, with Ciro Immobile, Tommaso Pobega, and Nicolò Casale all doubts for this fixture. Their absence would significantly reduce Italiano’s options, particularly in attack and midfield.

Prediksi

Aston Villa’s poor start to the season has left supporters anxious, but their European pedigree and Emery’s extraordinary record in the Europa League suggest that this competition could offer a welcome reprieve. The Villans are formidable at home in continental football, with their run last season showing just how difficult it is for visiting teams to leave Villa Park with anything. If they can rediscover even a fraction of that intensity, Villa will fancy their chances of kickstarting their season.

Bologna are capable of causing problems, particularly with their confidence boosted by a dramatic win at the weekend. Yet their struggles on the road, coupled with their historically poor record against English sides, means this is a daunting task. Italiano will likely set his side up to frustrate Villa and strike late, but sustaining that plan for 90 minutes will be tough in a hostile atmosphere.

Villa’s attacking woes may continue to some degree, but their resilience at home and Emery’s tactical nous in Europe should see them edge this encounter. Expect a tight game with few goals, but one in which Villa finally return to winning ways.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1-0 Bologna

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Aston Villa vs Bologna | UEFA Europa League 2025/26