(Credit: Imago)

Cameron Smith

Wed 15 April 2026 7:10, UK

Aston Villa are back in European action on Thursday, with Bologna making the trip to Villa Park for the second leg of their quarter-final clash.

The Villans would secure a huge win in the first leg last week, with a goal from Ezri Konsa and a brace from Ollie Watkins seeing Unai Emery’s side bring a 3-1 lead back to the Midlands.

Following this, they would play out a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, while Chelsea’s loss against Manchester City sees Villa still sit as firm favourites for the Champions League.

And with the latest prediction from Opta’s supercomputer in mind, they are firmly on track to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the Europa League too.

Aston Villa are the firm favourites vs Bologna

Alongside their ambitions to reach the final four of the Europa League, Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna find themselves in the race for continental football once again in Serie A.

Goals from Remo Freuler and Riccardo Orsolini secured a 2-0 victory against Lecce on Sunday, keeping the Rossoblu eighth in the standings – though they have a mountain to climb on their travels on Thursday.

The travelling Rossoblu picked up a huge result in the last round of the competition, pulling off a shock win against Serie A rivals Roma to secure their quarter-final spot.

Though Emery’s side would travel to Emilia-Romagna and put in an incredibly professional performance, bringing a 3-1 lead back to their patch.

And even with the visitors chasing a comeback, Opta’s supercomputer predicts Villa as the firm favourites to take victory once again on the night.

Aston Villa fans will have one eye on the City Ground

Alongside their own quarter-final clash, Villa fans will be keeping a keen eye on their potential semi-final opponent.

After playing out a 1-1 draw in Porto last week, Nottingham Forest welcome the Portuguese giant to the City Ground as they prepare to do battle for a spot in the semi-final.

Should they progress to the semi-finals, either Porto or Nottingham Forest awaits Emery’s side.

The Villans had the chance to do a first league double over the Garibaldi in 33 years on Sunday, before they played out a 1-1 draw.

But, they could have the perfect chance to make a big statement against the East Midlanders in Europe, with a potential two-legged tie on the way.

Waiting to find out the outcome, supporters at Villa Park will be keeping a keen eye on the outcome at the City Ground on Thursday.