Aston Villa are preparing to host Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday night and they’ve received praise ahead of the clash.
In matchday two of the Champions League, Aston Villa experienced the high of beating Bayern Munich, and now they’re hosting a team also punching above their weight.
Bologna qualified for Europe’s elite competition after finishing fifth in Serie A last season under now-Juventus manager Thiago Motta.
Villa supporters can resonate well with their opponents’ upward trajectory, with Unai Emery transforming Aston Villa into a European powerhouse, losing just once in all competitions this term.
The Spaniard has a meticulous tactical style, coaching his side to play with an aggressive high line but with an extremely organised structure, as pointed out by Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano.
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Vincenzo Italiano comments on Aston Villa’s style
Tickets haven’t sold out for Villa against Bologna, as fans continue to be left angered by the extortionate pricing but those in attendance should be treated to an exciting game.
Emery’s men should dominate most of the ball as they patiently wait for openings in behind while the visitors will be dangerous on the counter, utilising the threats of Santiago Castro and Riccardo Orsolini.
Italiano will be expecting a tough match, though, and has pinpointed three strengths that make Villa difficult to play against, including their midfield block, strength in possession and prowess from set-pieces.
Speaking in Monday’s press conference, as relayed by Football Italia, Italiano said: “Out of possession, they create a block in the middle of midfield and they re-set well.
“They try to make you play in order for them to attack the spaces behind. They let you play, but they are very strong when they gain possession and they know what to do. They are also very strong on set pieces.”
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How Ollie Watkins can exploit Bologna
Emery will rotate some of his players from the side who started the win over Fulham but Ollie Watkins should remain in the starting XI.
Watkins is vital in carrying out the Spaniard’s tactical style, as his ability to pierce opposition defences in behind and also come to feet can cause Bologna nightmares.
Watkins bullied Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano last time out. The Frenchman is physically strong and quick but he couldn’t live with the Englishman’s speed of thought and movement in behind.
| Ollie Watkins stats all competitions | Goals / Assists |
| 10 games played | 5 / 3 |
Against weaker competition – no disrespect to the Serie A side – the 28-year-old should be able to get the better of their centre-back pairing, Sam Buekema and Nicolo Casale.
He’s started the season on fire, as depicted by the above table, and he’ll be eager to score his first Champions League goal, something that he could have only dreamt of a few years ago.
