Anfield is set to host an intriguing Champions League encounter on Wednesday as Liverpool welcome Italian side Bologna for their second match in the group stage. This fixture marks the first-ever competitive meeting between these two clubs, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already anticipated clash.
Liverpool enter this match in scintillating form, having won their last four games across all competitions. Arne Slot’s side kicked off their Champions League campaign with an impressive 3-1 comeback victory against AC Milan at San Siro. The Reds have been particularly formidable at Anfield in European competition, winning their last 10 group stage/league phase matches at home and scoring at least twice in their last nine.
Bologna, making their return to Europe’s elite competition after a 60-year absence, held Shakhtar Donetsk to a goalless draw in their opening fixture. Under new manager Vincenzo Italiano, the Rossoblu have struggled to replicate last season’s form that saw them qualify for the Champions League, winning just once in seven attempts across all competitions this term.
Mohamed Salah is on the verge of making history, as he could become the first Liverpool player to score in five consecutive Champions League/European Cup matches at Anfield.
Dutch striker Thijs Dallinga a summer arrival from Toulouse, is still seeking his first goal involvement for Bologna. He could be crucial in leading the line if Santiago Castro is unavailable.
Arne Slot has Liverpool playing an attractive, high-pressing style that has yielded impressive results. The Reds’ ability to turn defense into attack quickly could pose significant problems for Bologna’s backline.
Vincenzo Italiano will likely set up Bologna to be compact and hit Liverpool on the counter-attack. The Italian side showed defensive solidity against Shakhtar, facing only one shot on target, but will face a much sterner test at Anfield.
Team News
Liverpool are monitoring Andy Robertson’s fitness after he limped off against Wolves, while Harvey Elliott remains sidelined with a foot fracture. Darwin Nunez could return after missing the Wolves game due to illness.
Bologna will be without Lewis Ferguson, Tommaso Pobega, and Oussama El Azzouzi due to injuries. Santiago Castro’s availability is in doubt after he was forced off in their last match.
Expected Starting XIs
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo
Bologna (4-3-3): Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Lykogiannis; Aebischer, Moro, Freuler; Orsolini, Dallinga, Ndoye
Prediction
Given Liverpool’s impressive home record in European competition and their current form, they enter this match as strong favorites. While Bologna showed defensive resilience against Shakhtar, the quality and attacking prowess of Liverpool should prove too much for the Italian side.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Bologna
