Liverpool will take on Bologna in the UEFA Champions League group stage at the iconic Anfield Stadium. Set to kick off at 12:30 AM IST on 3 October 2024. The Liverpool vs Bologna match is crucial for both teams as they look to advance in the competition. Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, is the bookmaker’s favourite and comes off a b 3-1 win against AC Milan in their opener. Despite sitting 12th in the league, their recent form is impressive with four wins and one loss in their last five games.
On the other hand, Bologna, coached by Vincenzo Italiano, has had a mixed start, currently 21st and securing only one win in their last five matches. The weather at Anfield is expected to be overcast with a temperature of 11°C, which should favour Liverpool’s pressing game.
With both teams chasing crucial points, Liverpool’s home advantage and superior form make them the clear favourites. We recommend a bet on Liverpool to win by at least 1.5 goals (AH), reflecting the team’s robust performance so far. The odds for this recommended bet are 1.6.
Liverpool vs Bologna Prediction
Our recommended betting tip for this match is for Liverpool to win by at least 1.5 goals (AH). This recommendation is based on Liverpool’s b recent form and home advantage. They come off a commanding 3-1 victory against AC Milan, while Bologna has struggled with scoring, evident in their 0-0 draw against Shakhtar. Liverpool’s squad also looks more robust despite a few injuries, enabling them to exploit Bologna’s weaknesses.
| Liverpool vs. Bologna Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Liverpool -1.5 (AH) | 1.6 |
- Liverpool’s high-scoring capability, averaging 2.60 goals in their last 5 games.
- Bologna’s struggle to score was witnessed in their goalless draw against Shakhtar.
- Anfield’s home advantage and Liverpool’s positive momentum in the Champions League.
Liverpool vs Bologna Live Streaming
The Liverpool vs Bologna UEFA Champions League 2024-25 match will be live-streamed on SonyLiv. Fans can enjoy the Live Streaming on SonyLiv website and app. Sony Sports Network will have live telecast.
Liverpool vs Bologna Odds
Liverpool enters this Champions League clash as the b favorites. Their impressive form under new coach Arne Slot, including a 3-1 victory against AC Milan, highlights their dominant position.
Bologna, however, has had a tough start to their campaign, drawing their first match against Shakhtar Donetsk and facing multiple squad issues. This divergence in form is reflected in the odds.
| Liverpool vs. Bologna Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Liverpool | 1.18 |
| Draw | 7.47 |
| Bologna | 15.80 |
These odds suggest that a comfortable win for Liverpool is expected. Despite the overcast weather at Anfield, their home advantage and superior attacking prowess should guide them to victory.
Liverpool Team Analysis
Liverpool Recent Performance WWWWL
Liverpool enters this Champions League fixture on a solid run. With four wins out of their last five games, Liverpool is showcasing robust form as evidenced by their recent results. Let’s look at their recent performances:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | Liverpool | 1-2 (Win) |
| Liverpool | West Ham United | 5-1 (Win) |
| Liverpool | AFC Bournemouth | 3-0 (Win) |
| AC Milan | Liverpool | 1-3 (Win) |
| Liverpool | Nottingham Forest | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Recent Form: WWWWL |
Liverpool has managed to score an impressive average of 2.6 goals per game in their last five matches while keeping one clean sheet.
Their attacking prowess is well-orchestrated under new coach Arne Slot, with players like Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai making significant contributions. Despite a recent hiccup against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool’s form remains formidable as they gear up to take on Bologna.
Liverpool Key Players
Liverpool’s key players are ready to shine at Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai, the top scorer with a goal to his name, can be pivotal with his playmaking skills. Ryan Gravenberch has been a revelation under new manager Arne Slot, taking on the role of a defensive midfielder and being named MVP against Wolverhampton. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté will be the pillars at the back, both already having netted a goal in this Champions League campaign. Mohamed Salah remains a constant threat from the wing. Expected lineup for Liverpool:
- Goalkeeper: Alisson
- Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Konstantinos Tsimikas
- Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah
- Forward: Darwin Núñez Individual battles like Salah versus Lykogiannis will be interesting to watch.
Liverpool Suspensions & Injuries
Liverpool will be missing some key players due to injuries, which could impact their squad depth and overall performance. While there are no suspensions, injuries to critical players will force manager Arne Slot to rely on his squad’s depth. Injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Joel Matip | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Harvey Elliott | Broken foot | Late October 2024 |
| Federico Chiesa | Knock injury | A few days |
The absence of Joel Matip is a significant blow as he is a key part of the defence. Harvey Elliott’s creativity in midfield will also be missed. Chiesa’s potential quick return adds an interesting twist to the lineup possibilities.
Liverpool Tactics and Formation
Liverpool Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Darwin Núñez
- Midfield Trio: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai
- Defensive Strength: Alisson Becker in goal supported by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk
- Notable Strategy: Leveraging their b home advantage at Anfield, Liverpool will likely press high and control possession to create numerous scoring opportunities. Liverpool’s defence has been boosted by the sturdy leadership of van Dijk, despite the injury to Joel Matip. Manager Arne Slot’s preference for a dynamic and fluid offensive approach allows players like Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo to exploit the wings effectively. Slot will be keen to maintain high-pressure tactics, often hinging the attack during the 61-75-minute interval, aiming to overwhelm their opponent’s defence and secure an early win.
Bologna Team Analysis
Bologna Recent Performance DWDDD
Bologna’s recent form has been somewhat unspectacular but consistent, with four draws and a win in their last five matches. Their ability to avoid defeats is noteworthy, but their struggle to secure wins is a point of concern. The team has managed to score an average of 1.20 goals in their last five games, but like Liverpool, they have only kept one clean sheet. This indicates a vulnerable defence that might be exploited by Liverpool’s attacking prowess. Below is a summary of Bologna’s recent results:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna | Atalanta | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Monza | Bologna | 1-2 (Win) |
| Bologna | Shakhtar Donetsk | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Como | Bologna | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Bologna | Empoli | 1-1 (Draw) |
Despite their unbeaten streak, Bologna will face a formidable challenge against Liverpool’s well-structured side. Their performance will need to be elevated to secure a favourable result at Anfield.
Bologna Key Players
Bologna will look to key players to step up in this challenging encounter against Liverpool. Expected lineup for Bologna:
- Goalkeeper: Lukasz Skorupski
- Defenders: Stefan Posch, Jhon Lucumí, Sam Beukema, Charalampos Lykogiannis
- Midfielders: Kacper Urbanski, Remo Freuler, Michel Aebischer
- Attackers: Riccardo Orsolini, Santiago Castro, Dan Ndoye
Even though Bologna has no standout top scorers, Riccardo Orsolini will be crucial in creating opportunities up front. The midfield battle, featuring Remo Freuler against Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch, could be a key aspect of the match. The defensive line, led by Jhon Lucumí, will need to be solid to fend off Liverpool’s potent attack.
Bologna Suspensions & Injuries
Bologna enters this match with some critical injury concerns that could impact their performance at Anfield.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis Ferguson | Cruciate ligament injury | Late December 2024 |
| Oussama El Azzouzi | Knee injury | Doubtful |
| Tommaso Pobega | Knee injury | Mid November 2024 |
Bologna has no suspensions for this match, allowing them to field their best possible lineup.
The injuries, particularly to key players like Lewis Ferguson and Tommaso Pobega, could limit Bologna’s midfield dynamism against Liverpool’s high-pressing game. Vincenzo Italiano will need to manage his squad carefully to mitigate these absences effectively.
Bologna Tactics and Formation
Bologna’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Riccardo Orsolini
- Midfield Trio: Kacper Urbanski, Remo Freuler, Michel Aebischer
- Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Focus on maintaining possession and defensive solidity.
Under coach Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna is expected to adopt a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to leverage their structured midfield to maintain control. Riccardo Orsolini will spearhead the attack, utilizing his skills to create goal-scoring opportunities. The midfield trio of Urbanski, Freuler, and Aebischer will be pivotal in transitioning from defence to attack, while also ensuring defensive cover.
Expect Bologna to focus on defensive organization, aiming to stifle Liverpool’s high-pressing play while looking for counter-attacking opportunities.
Liverpool vs Bologna Head-to-Head Statistics
Looking at their recent encounters, Liverpool has shown dominance over Bologna. Here’s a quick look at how their last two meetings have gone:
These results show that Liverpool has kept clean sheets in both games and has consistently scored. This historical trend could influence the outcome of their upcoming clash, with Liverpool likely aiming for another b performance.
Venue and Weather
The match will be held at Anfield, one of the world’s most iconic football stadiums, boasting a capacity of over 53,000 spectators. Known for its electrifying atmosphere, Anfield often serves as a fortress for Liverpool, providing them with a significant home-field advantage.
On match day, the weather is expected to be chilly with overcast skies. The temperature will hover around 11°C, accompanied by high humidity at 93% and a light breeze at 1.41 m/s.
Such conditions might favour Liverpool, who are well-acclimated to playing in the often unpredictable English weather. Bologna, on the other hand, might find the damp and cool conditions challenging, potentially affecting their performance. The overcast skies might also mean a slippery pitch, which could impact ball control and passing accuracy for both teams.
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