Aston Villa vs Bologna Europa League preview: Where to watch, predicted line-ups, team news

Aston Villa are preparing to host Bologna in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie.

Where to watch the game on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA Europa League broadcast partner(s) here.

What you need to know

Following a third successive defeat against Villa (this time at home), the situation does not look particularly bright for Bologna. The Italian side also remain winless in six games against English sides (D1 L5), but they have won their last five Europa League away fixtures since they lost 1-0 at Villa Park in September.

"It will be difficult in England, especially considering their third goal in added time," said midfielder Remo Freuler. "But, in football, anything is possible." Villa will be aware of that old maxim too. They are unbeaten in 11 European home games (W10 D1), though plenty of members of Unai Emery's squad will remember that last defeat; a 4-2 loss against Olympiacos that cost them a place in the 2023/24 UEFA Conference League final.

Possible line-ups

Villa: Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; McGinn, Onana, Tielemans, Rogers; Buendía, Watkins

Bologna: Ravaglia, João Mário, Vitík, Heggem, Miranda; Moro, Ferguson, Freuler; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe

Form guide

Villa

Form: DWWWLW (most recent first)
Latest: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Villa, 12/04, English Premier League

Bologna

Form: WLWLWW
Latest: Bologna 2-0 Lecce, 12/04, Italian Serie A

Views from the camps

Unai Emery, Aston Villa coach: "When [Bologna] were playing against Rome [in the round of 16], maybe you could think Rome was the favourite and they beat one of the favourites. How they are competing, how they are as a team, how they are pushing all the matches; of course we make ourselves respectful. They are going to play the same match. So aggressive, so intense, getting duels man to man, and attacking us. I respect a lot and I appreciate a lot the performance. We have a very good team. When the referee's whistle, the first minute starts, we're going to be focused 100%."

Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna coach: "We need everyone to produce something extraordinary, with maximum focus and without conceding the same amount of chances we conceded in the first leg, being particularly careful with their set pieces."

Reporter's view

Faye Hackwell, match reporter

Villa are in control at the halfway point and Ollie Watkins' last-gasp goal could prove a pivotal moment in this tie, having restored their two-goal cushion. Back on a home stage where they have won 16 of their last 18 European games, including beating Bologna twice in the last 18 months, the hosts will have their eye on a second UEFA competition semi-final in three seasons. But the visitors will take confidence from having been on top for prolonged periods of the first leg, when, unlike their more clinical opponents, the Italian side failed to capitalise on their opportunities. It will take a memorable comeback to turn this tie around.