Bologna’s European journey begins. The Italian team makes its debut on the difficult field of Aston Villa (today, 9 p.m., at Villa Park in Birmingham). A commitment that is anything but easy for the Felsinians who, last year, lost at home to the Villans (2-0 the final) in the regular season of the Champions League.

In comparison with a year ago, the Felsinei have changed a lot. The reappointed Italian coach wants a more courageous team that will try to impose its game against the very strong team coached by Emery.

Space to 4-2-3-1 with Skorupski between the posts. Defense composed of Zortea, Heggem, Lucumi and Likogiannis. Protecting the back pack will be, barring surprises, Ferguson and Freuler. In front, behind the central point Castro, Orsolini, Fabbian and Rowe will act. Many are unavailable including Dominguez, Immobile, De Silvestri and Pobega.

The probable lineups

ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Maatsen, Konsa, Pau Torres, Cash; McGinn, Kamara; Guessand, Elliott, Sancho; Watkins. All. Emery

BOLOGNA (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Zortea, Heggem, Lucumi, Likogiannis; Ferguson, Freuler; Orsolini, Fabbian and Rowe; Castro. All. Italiano.

Bologna’s European journey begins. The Italian team makes its debut on the difficult field of Aston Villa (today, 9 p.m., at Villa Park in Birmingham). A commitment that is anything but easy for the Felsinians who, last year, lost at home to the Villans (2-0 the final) in the regular season of the Champions League.

In comparison with a year ago, the Felsinei have changed a lot. The reappointed Italian coach wants a more courageous team that will attempt to impose its game against the very strong team coached by Emery.

Space to 4-2-3-1 with Skorupski between the posts. Defense composed of Zortea, Heggem, Lucumi and Likogiannis. Protecting the back pack will be, barring surprises, Ferguson and Freuler. In front, behind the central point Castro, Orsolini, Fabbian and Rowe will act. Many are unavailable including Dominguez, Immobile, De Silvestri and Pobega. On the other side, watch out for the talent of Sancho and the nose for goal of Watkins.

The likely lineups

ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Maatsen, Konsa, Pau Torres, Cash; McGinn, Kamara; Guessand, Elliott, Sancho; Watkins. All. Emery

BOLOGNA (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Zortea, Heggem, Lucumi, Likogiannis; Ferguson, Freuler; Orsolini, Fabbian, Rowe; Castro. All. Italiano.