Our betting expert expects the visitors to get a result in a tight game at Villa Park, with Jonathan Rowe hitting the target.
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All odds are courtesy of bet365, correct at the time of publishing and subject to change.
Villa’s woes to continue
On current form, it’s hard to fancy Aston Villa to win this football match. They simply aren’t creating enough chances, and the few they are carving out are frequently being missed.
The stats make for grim reading for Unai Emery’s side. With only one goal, they are the joint-lowest scorers in Europe’s big five leagues. Even that strike by Matty Cash should have been saved by Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs in a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
New signings Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott are still bedding in, while the stars of their 2024/25 Champions League campaign are underperforming. A competitive Bologna side, that have only let in three goals in four matches so far this term, are capable of getting a result.
- Aston Villa vs Bologna Bet Builder Tip 1: Double Chance - Draw or Bologna @ 19/20 on bet365
Few goals as Europa League contenders clash
These two clubs rank among the favourites to win the Europa League. Bologna have a taste for silverware after winning the Coppa Italia last term, while Villa boss Emery has won this competition four times.
However, both sides are currently short on firepower. They rank in the bottom 10 for total xG of the 96 clubs in Europe’s big five leagues. Villa have created just 3.7 xG in five Premier League outings, while Bologna have registered only 3.4 in four matches in Serie A.
In Bologna’s case, an xGA (expected goals allowed) of just 3.8 does at least see them rank among the strongest defences. Three of their fixtures so far this term have finished with 1-0 scorelines, including both of their away games. They’ll see a draw as a good result here, and will back themselves to shut out a misfiring home attack.
- Aston Villa vs Bologna Bet Builder Tip 2: Under 3 Goals @ 8/11 on bet365
Rowe to hit the target
Jonathan Rowe found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons in August when he was transfer-listed by Marseille for fighting with teammate Adrien Rabiot. A move to Bologna soon followed, and the Englishman has an opportunity to make a positive impression back on home soil on Thursday night.
The 22-year-old has only clocked up 16 minutes of action so far in Serie A. However, he’s likely to be a beneficiary of rotation here. Rowe averaged 1.67 shots on target per 90 minutes in Ligue 1 last term, and 1.06 in the Championship with Norwich the previous year.
He has also highlighted his willingness to shoot in international colours, with two goals at the 2025 European U21 Championship. The Europa League may be just the stage for Rowe to rebuild his career after an unexpected exit from Marseille.
- Aston Villa vs Bologna Bet Builder Tip 3: Jonathan Rowe 1+ Shots on Target @ 6/5 on bet365