Liverpool are currently leading the Premier League with an impressive record of five wins and just one loss from their first six matches. While Bologna are unbeaten in their last five games, four of those have ended in draws, and they've struggled to find the back of the net consistently, averaging just over one goal per game across seven Serie A matches.
In contrast, Liverpool have been more clinical, averaging two goals per game with a 13% goal conversion rate under Arne Slot. The Reds have also bounced back from a surprising defeat to Nottingham Forest with four consecutive victories. A key factor in their dominance is their solid defense, which has allowed just two goals in six games and kept four clean sheets.
Given Liverpool’s form and defensive strength, it’s hard to see Bologna causing them any major issues. Even though Liverpool have conceded twice in their last two matches, their overall stability should lead to a comfortable win. We’re predicting a 3-0 victory for Liverpool in their first UEFA Champions League game at Anfield in over a year.
Predicted Score: Liverpool 3-0 Bologna.
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The second matchday of the UEFA Champions League is here, with Liverpool hosting Bologna as both teams navigate the new league phase of the competition.
Date: October 2, 2024
Location: Anfield
Kick-Off: 2PM EST
Liverpool returns to the Champions League after a strong 2023/24 season, finishing third in the Premier League under Jürgen Klopp. This match marks their first Champions League game at Anfield since their elimination by Real Madrid in the 2022/23 season. Liverpool kicked off this year’s European campaign in style with an impressive 3-1 victory over AC Milan. In that match, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai found the back of the net, giving Arne Slot his first win as manager in European competition.
On the other side, Bologna are making their long-awaited return to the Champions League after securing a surprise qualification last season under the guidance of Thiago Motta. Since then, Motta has moved on to Juventus, and Vincenzo Italiano has taken over the reins. Bologna’s return to Europe began with a 1-1 draw at home against Shakhtar Donetsk. While they’ve been resilient domestically, this trip to Anfield presents a huge challenge for the Italian side.
WHERE TO WATCH
The game will be shown live on Discovery +.
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Andy Robertson suffered a slight knock following a robust challenge in the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Arne Slot, though addressed any concerns regarding any potential injury worries. Darwin Nunez could feature against Bologna after he was rested at the weekend.
Expected Liverpool Eleven:
Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Quansah, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Salah, Gakpo, Nunez.Lewis Ferguson remains a long-term absentee for Bologna, with the Scottish midfielder recovering from an ACL injury. Tomasso Pobega remains doubtful so Vincenzo Italiano may keep the same eleven from the weekend.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have already shown their strength against Italian opposition this season, defeating AC Milan 3-1 in their UEFA Champions League opener. As they prepare for their first-ever competitive meeting with Bologna, Liverpool will be aware of their recent struggles against Italian teams. Italian sides have historically posed a challenge at Anfield, with no other nation’s clubs defeating Liverpool more often on their home ground in European competition (7 losses, tied with Spanish clubs). Liverpool have lost three of their last five home games against Italian sides, including a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League last season.
Liverpool Form Liverpool are currently at the top of the Premier League, boasting five wins and one loss from their first six matches. After a surprise home defeat to Nottingham Forest, they have rebounded with four consecutive wins. Their defense has been particularly impressive, conceding just two goals in six league games and keeping four clean sheets.
In their most recent Premier League match, Liverpool faced a tough challenge against Wolverhampton Wanderers but emerged with a 2-1 win. Ibrahima Konaté had a mixed performance, scoring the opener before an error allowed Wolves to equalize. However, Liverpool regained the lead when Mohamed Salah converted a penalty after Diogo Jota was fouled by Nelson Semedo, securing the victory for the Reds.
Bologna Form Bologna arrive at Anfield unbeaten in their last five matches, though four of those have been draws. In their most recent Serie A game, Bologna settled for a 1-1 draw against Atalanta, with Santiago Castro scoring for Bologna before a last-minute equalizer from Lazar Samardzic. Bologna were reduced to 10 men when Jhon Lucumí was sent off for a last-man challenge early in the second half.
Despite their recent form, Bologna have struggled away from home, winning just two of their last five away games stretching back to last season. Their most recent away victory came in a 2-1 win against Monza, with goals from Santiago Castro and Kacper Urbanski.
Liverpool’s strong home record and defensive resilience, combined with Bologna’s struggles to secure wins away from home, suggest a challenging night for the Italian side. While Bologna’s unbeaten run shows they can be difficult to break down, their tendency to draw games and lack of cutting-edge offense could see them struggle against a Liverpool team in excellent form.
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