Bologna will face Celtic at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League group phase.
Bologna vs Celtic – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Thursday, 21st January.
- Kick-off: 5:45pm BST.
- Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna.
Bologna Team News
Bologna will miss Federico Bernardeschi, who is recovering from a clavicle fracture sustained during the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Inter in December.
Colombian defender Jhon Lucumí is doubtful due to a muscle strain from the recent 1-1 draw with Como. Martin Vidik is also uncertain for this match.
Manager Vincenzo Italiano may change his starting lineup after a disappointing 1-2 loss to Fiorentina at home on Saturday. Midfielder Giovanni Fabbian and winger Jonathan Rowe, who contributed to Bologna’s only goal, might earn starting positions.
Celtic Team News
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill faces challenges with key players unavailable. Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand, and Cameron Carter-Vickers are injured, while Johnston is aiming for a March return.
Winger Jota will miss the season due to an ACL injury. Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi are also out.
After rotating the squad for the Scottish FA Cup, O’Neill is likely to field a strong team in Bologna. Kasper Schmeichel is expected to start in goal, supported by defenders Julian Araujo, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, and Kieran Tierney.
Forwards Sebastian Tounekti, Hyun-Jun Yang, and Daizen Maeda are likely to play after being rested during their recent 2-0 cup win.
Form
Bologna
Bologna has struggled lately, winning only one of their last nine games across all competitions.
In the Europa League, however, they are unbeaten in their last five matches, with three wins and two draws. They hold 13th place in the standings with 11 points from six matches and are just two points away from the top eight.
Celtic
Celtic had a rough time under temporary manager Wilfried Nancy, losing six of eight games. Since Martin O’Neill’s return on 5 January, they have improved significantly.
They have won three straight matches, including a 4-0 victory over Dundee United and a 2-0 win against Auchinleck Talbot.
Despite the recent successes, Celtic’s Europa League campaign reflects their inconsistent domestic form, sitting 24th in the standings with 7 points from six matches, just above 25th-placed Dinamo Zagreb on goal difference.
Predicted Lineups
Bologna: Ravaglia; Holm, Casale, Heggem, Miranda; Freuler, Pobega; Orsolini, Fabbian, Rowe; Castro.
Celtic: Schmeichel; Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Yang, Maeda, Tounekti.
How to Watch Bologna vs Celtic?
Viewers in the UK and internationally can watch the match live on TNT Sports 2.
Read Also – Rosenior backs struggling Chelsea signing to have ‘outstanding career’
See More – Rosenior rubbishes Chelsea transfer speculation on key player
Add Footem.in As your Preferred Source on Google
Follow the latest on Footem WhatsApp Channel
