Aston Villa Face Bologna in Europa League Quarter-Final Second Leg: Team News, Odds and Prediction

Aston Villa appear content to let their Champions League qualification hopes rest on an alternative route. Should their Premier League form falter, they've got the Europa League to fall back on – and what a handy insurance policy that looks to be.

With Unai Emery pulling the strings, Villa are the clear bookmakers' darlings for the tournament. The Spaniard's four previous Europa League triumphs speak volumes, and his side are plotting a path to a fifth.

The Villans finished second in the sprawling 36-team group stage before dispatching Bologna 3-1 in Italy. It wasn't exactly a walk in the park, but two strikes from Ollie Watkins put this quarter-final tie firmly in Villa's grasp.

Kick-off and Coverage

Thursday evening's return leg gets underway at 8pm BST on April 16 at Villa Park. TNT Sports 2 and HBO Max will broadcast proceedings, with coverage starting at 7pm. BBC Radio 5 Live offers radio commentary.

Villa's Injury Headaches

Emi Martinez departed during warm-ups ahead of Sunday's 1-1 stalemate at Nottingham Forest, leaving Marco Bizot to deputise between the sticks once more. Ross Barkley remains ineligible under UEFA squad regulations, whilst Jadon Sancho and Boubacar Kamara are sidelined through injury. Tyrone Mings faces a fitness assessment.

Bologna's Woes

Martin Vitik returns from suspension for the Italians, though Jhon Lucumi serves a ban. Goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski's absence creates further complications in goal. Charalampos Lykogiannis and Thijs Dallinga will undergo late fitness checks. Bologna arrive eighth in Serie A following a 2-0 weekend victory over Lecce.

The Betting Picture

Villa are prohibitive 1/100 favourites to progress, with Bologna offered at 16/1 for an improbable comeback. For the match itself, the hosts are 4/6 shots, Bologna 10/3 to win on the night, and the draw 16/5. Tournament-wise, Villa sit at 13/10 to lift the trophy, with Bologna priced at 80/1.

What to Expect

Emery's Midas touch in European competition shows no signs of dimming. Villa have won 10 of their 11 Europa League matches this season and should make it 11 from 12 despite Bologna potentially creating some anxious moments.

Villa Park holds grim memories for the visitors – a 2-0 Champions League defeat last term and a 1-0 league-phase loss this season. Villa were struggling domestically when those matches took place, but they've transformed since.

The precedent exists too: Villa won their away leg against Lille before sealing it 2-0 at home. A similar script feels likely here, though Bologna's second-place Serie A standing for away goals might allow them a consolation.

Villa have won 15 of their last 17 European home fixtures. Back both teams to score at 4/5, or take Villa to win with both sides scoring at 5/2.