Europa League 2025-2026: Aston Villa-Bologna, the likely lineups

The return leg of the Europa League quarterfinals puts Bologna in front of their toughest challenge of the season. At 9 p.m., the Rossoblù take the field in Birmingham with the goal of overturning the 3-1 loss in the first leg, a result that penalized Vincenzo Italiano’s team beyond measure for what it showed in terms of maneuver.

Despite a proactive performance and superior ball possession in the first match, the Felsinians paid dearly for some serious defensive inattentions. Against opponents of this caliber, every slightest blunder is turned into a goal, and the deficit accrued at the Dall’Ara now obliges Italiano’s men to an attacking contest, but with impeccable tactical balance.

The obstacle is represented by the fourth Premier League powerhouse, a solid Aston Villa that is cynical in striking in spaces. To unhinge the English defensive system and attempt a comeback, Bologna will have to up the tempo and maintain surgical precision in the finalization phase. In a nutshell, the perfect match is needed.

Unai Emery relies on Dibu Martinez between the posts, reconfirmed the 4-man line from the first leg consisting of: Cash-Konsa-Pau Torres-Digne, novelty Douglas Luiz in the median with Tielemans in the three-quarter supporting Watkins as the only striker.

Vincenzo Italiano in addition to Skorupski must do without defensive mainstay Lucumì disqualified for a sum of cautions. Ravaglia will act between the posts, Heggem-Vitik the central pair, unfailing Freuler in the median with Ferguson at his side, attack led by Castro central point supported by Bernardeschi on the right and the scorer of the first leg Rowe on the left. Orsolini ready to take over.

Probable formations

ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; Onana, Douglas Luiz; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins. All. Unai Emery.

BOLOGNA (4-3-3): Ravaglia; Joao Mario, Heggem, Vitik, Miranda; Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe. All. Italian