Bologna vs Aston Villa prediction 09.04.2026 | UEFA Europa League

Bologna turn their attention to the Europa League after picking up a 2:1 road victory against relegation-threatened Cremeonese in Serie A last weekend. 

Vincenzo Italiano's side have been in superb form on their travels, picking up six successive away victories over the past six weeks. 

However, recent home performances have been less impressive. Bologna lost two of their last three home games, including a 2:0 defeat against Lazio before the international break, and a shock 2:1 reversal against Verona. 

The Rossoblù also struggled in previous encounters against Aston Villa, failing to score in two away games at Villa Park in the last 18 months. 

Head coach Italiano has five potential absentees this week. Martin Vitik is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, while Benjamin Dominguez and Jens Odgaard are ruled out through injury.

Charalampos Lykogiannis and Thijs Dallinga are both doubts due to muscle issues.

Aston Villa face their first competitive fixture since back-to-back home wins against Lille and West Ham. Having secured their place in the Europa League quarter-finals with a comfortable 2-0 victory against the French side, the Villans then eased to a win by the same scoreline in their Premier League clash against West Ham.

Out-of-action for 18 days in competitive fixtures, a weakened Villa side fell to a 2:1 friendly defeat against Elche in their most recent runout.

John McGinn’s recent return to fitness has brought about an improved run of form for Unai Emery’s side. Villa won three of their last four competitive contests, having previously failed to win six of seven matches in the Scots' absence throughout February and March.

Strong on their travels, the EPL side picked up wins in four of five away UEL games this season, including narrow 1:0 wins against Fenerbahce and Lille. With Bologna struggling in recent home fixtures, the Villains will fancy their chances in a likely tight first-leg encounter.

Head coach Emery has just two confirmed absentees for the trip to northern Italy. Boubacar Kamara and Jadon Sancho are both ruled out through injury.