Bologna is set to feature Santiago Castro and Jonathan Rowe in their forward line for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash against Aston Villa this evening.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST) at Villa Park.
Bologna faces an uphill battle after a 3-1 defeat in the first leg at home. They will need a victory by at least a two-goal margin to force extra time, and a three-goal difference to advance to the semi-finals.
The Italian side has travelled to England without Jhon Lucumí, who is suspended. Lukasz Skorupski, Benjamin Dominguez, and Thijs Dallinga are sidelined due to injury. Eivind Helland and Lorenzo De Silvestri are not part of Bologna’s UEFA squad list.
Reports from various sources, including Sky Sport and Gazzetta, suggest that Joao Mario is favored over Nadir Zortea for the right-back position. Tommaso Pobega is expected to start in central midfield alongside Lewis Ferguson and Remo Freuler, with Nikola Moro likely to begin on the bench.
English winger Jonathan Rowe, who scored in the first leg, is anticipated to play on the left wing. Federico Bernardeschi will be on the opposite flank, with Santiago Castro leading the line as the lone striker.
Aston Villa vs. Bologna – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2 and HBO Max in the UK and Ireland, and on Paramount+ in the USA.
Aston Villa vs. Bologna – probable line-ups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; Onana, Douglas Luiz; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins.
Bologna (4-3-3): Ravaglia; Joao Mario, Heggem, Vitik, Miranda; Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega; Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe.