Bologna vs Celtic Predictions
Both teams have plenty to play for, and a competitive contest should be expected in Italy. BTTS is my best bet at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium.
Goals on the Cards
- Bologna have seen BTTS in 11 of their last 14 matches
- Celtic have seen BTTS in 3 of their last 4 matches (Europa League)
Celtic and Bologna Set for First-Ever Encounter
Bologna and Celtic will meet for the first time on Thursday.
Bologna Struggles Continue
Bologna turn their attention to the Europa League after another disappointing domestic performance last weekend. Vincenzo Italiano's side slipped to a 2-1 Serie A home reversal against relegation-threatened Fiorentina.
The Rossoblu have been far from their best in recent weeks. Bologna lost five and won just one of nine previous fixtures since mid-December.
Defensive vulnerabilities have been a constant issue this season. Italiano's men failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 14 competitive fixtures. Eleven of those matches finished with both teams on the scoresheet.
With two games still to play in the Europa League, Bologna sit 13th in the competition, with 11 points picked up from six games completed.
Celtic Extend Winning Run
Celtic make the trip to Italy after a less-than-convincing 2-0 win against Auchinleck Talbot in the Scottish Cup last Sunday. Sebastian Tounekti's late goal secured the Hoops' place in the fifth round.
Martin O'Neill has now led his side to three successive victories since his return to the Celtic hotseat in January. The Hoops had lost six of eight previous matches under former boss Wilfried Nancy.
With two games still to play in their Europa League campaign, the Bhoys sit 24th in the competition, inside the playoff zone on goal difference only.
Predicted Lineups and Team News
Bologna (4-2-3-1) Federico Ravaglia; Emil Holm, Torbjorn Heggem, Martin Vitik, Juan Miranda; Nikola Moro, Tommaso Pobega; Riccardo Orsolini, Jens Odgaard, Benjamin Dominguez; Santiago Castro.
Head coach Palladino has three expected absentees for Thursday's Europa League fixture. Federico Bernadeschi is ruled out, while Martin Vitik and Jhon Lucumi will require late fitness tests.
Celtic (4-3-3) Kasper Schmeichel; Tony Ralston, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Kieran Tierney; Arne Engels, Callum McGregor, Benjamin Nygren; Hyun-jun Yang, Daizen Maeda, Sebastian Tounekti.
Martin O'Neill remains unable to call on several long-term absentees this week. Kelechi Iheanacho, Marcelo Saracchi, Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota are all ruled out.