Bet Builder Tip For Aston Villa vs Bologna

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As Aston Villa begin their Europa League journey at Villa Park against Bologna, punters have a chance to construct an intriguing Bet Builder centred on form, tactics, and standout performers. With Villa desperate to rediscover momentum after a poor domestic start, and Bologna aiming to show they can compete away from home, there is plenty to weigh up when piecing together selections. Below, we break down each leg of the recommended bet builder with detailed reasoning.

Here’s our Bet Builder pick for Aston Villa vs Bologna, which has been placed with Bet365:

Back Our Aston Villa vs Bologna Bet Builder Tip Here

Aston Villa to Win

Despite a sluggish opening to their Premier League season, Aston Villa are still expected to thrive in Europe under the guidance of Unai Emery, a manager renowned for his remarkable record in this competition. Villa have yet to claim three points in domestic action, but returning to continental football could act as a reset. Last year, they reached the Champions League quarter-finals, defeating clubs of significant stature before falling only to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. That experience is invaluable and should serve them well against a Bologna side who remain unproven against English opposition.

At home, Villa’s defensive unit anchored by Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa has often looked more composed, and with Emi Martínez in goal they rarely concede soft goals in front of their own supporters. Bologna, on the other hand, have been inconsistent early in the Serie A season, claiming narrow wins at home but failing to travel effectively, losing both of their away games so far.

The Rossoblu also lack the same depth and experience in European knockout football. Their success in the Coppa Italia was a morale boost, but facing an Emery-led side in Birmingham is a different prospect. With Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho pushing for starts, Villa should have enough attacking options to unlock Bologna’s defence. Factoring in Villa’s superior squad quality and Emery’s proven ability to prepare for European fixtures, the hosts are favoured to secure victory on Thursday evening.

Over 3 Goals in the Match

Both clubs have shown signs of defensive vulnerability, which increases the likelihood of a high-scoring encounter. Aston Villa’s league campaign has been defined by frustration in front of goal, but the introduction of creative talents such as Sancho and Elliott should help provide the service Ollie Watkins needs. When Villa do eventually find rhythm, their attacking play tends to flow, and given Bologna’s away struggles, chances could be plentiful.

Bologna are not without weapons themselves. Riccardo Orsolini remains their key figure in attack, converting a crucial stoppage-time penalty last weekend and consistently offering a threat from wide positions. Santiago Castro has also begun to find form, delivering both goals and assists after recovering from injury. When these players combine, they are capable of troubling even a solid defensive structure.

History also suggests Villa are not shy of goals in European football. Their Champions League campaign last season featured several open matches, often surpassing three goals. Bologna’s mixed approach – scoring late against Genoa but firing blanks earlier in the season – adds an unpredictable element that could contribute to a stretched contest. With both sides seeking a positive start to their Europa League campaigns, neither will settle easily, and that pursuit of momentum should create the sort of open game that ends with at least four goals.

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Ollie Watkins to Have 2 or More Shots on Target

Although Ollie Watkins has endured a challenging start to the season, his work rate and persistence in leading the line ensure he remains central to Villa’s attacking play. Even when he does not score, he often tests goalkeepers with efforts from varying angles, and his ability to get into shooting positions makes this market appealing.

Villa’s expected line-up suggests he will be supported by energetic wide players and midfielders capable of creating chances. John McGinn’s surging runs, combined with Elliott’s passing range and Sancho’s dribbling ability, should present Watkins with multiple opportunities. Playing at Villa Park also increases his chances, as the team generally create more chances at home than away.

Bologna’s back line, weakened by the absence of Nicolo Casale and missing regular right-back Lorenzo De Silvestri from their European squad, is unlikely to remain watertight against persistent pressure. Goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski may be kept busy, and Watkins is the most likely Villa player to trouble him consistently. Two shots on target is a realistic expectation for a forward who thrives on service and has the backing of a manager who continues to trust him despite his struggles.

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