Bologna's defensive injuries and an unfit Jhon Lucumí increase Celta Vigo's scoring chances; with Bologna also missing their regular goalkeeper, punters might favour a Celta win or a "Both Teams To Score" bet. Thijs Dallinga's form makes him an attractive anytime-scorer pick if Bologna can still threaten on the break.
Celta Vigo v Bologna — Europa League Round 6 preview
Bologna travel to the Estadio Balaídos to face Celta Vigo in the final group game, kicking off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT). Injuries at the back have left Vincenzo Italiano with difficult selection decisions, and those absences could tilt the contest in Celta’s favour.
Team news
Bologna defensive crisis
Bologna are short on options in central defence after Niccolò Casale and Martin Vitík were ruled out. Jhon Lucumí is not fully fit but is still expected to start; if Italiano opts to rest him, Charalampos Lykogiannis is likely to be shifted into a centre-back role. The absence of first-choice goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski means Tommaso Ravaglia will start between the posts, which further weakens Bologna’s defensive profile.
Midfield and attack
Scotland international Lewis Ferguson has a minor fitness issue and could be rested, opening the door for Tommaso Pobega and Nikola Moro in central midfield. Up front, Thijs Dallinga looks set to lead the attack over Santiago Castro after finding form in Europe with two goals and an assist in five appearances this season.
Match implications and tactical outlook
Celta should sense an opportunity to press Bologna’s depleted backline and the inexperienced goalkeeper. Expect Celta to probe early and exploit transitions, while Bologna will rely on Dallinga and the creativity of players like Bernardo Bernardeschi to hit on the counter. Fitness doubts in Bologna’s midfield could also force a more conservative setup, increasing the chance of a tight but open game.
Probable line-ups
Celta Vigo (3-4-2-1)
Radu; Damián Rodríguez, Gustav Isaksen Starfelt, Marcos Alonso; Sergio Carreira, Fran Beltrán, Ilaix Moriba, Óscar Mingueza; Iago Aspas, W. Swedberg; Brais Méndez/Borja Iglesias
Bologna (4-2-3-1)
Tommaso Ravaglia; Holm, Heggem, Jhon Lucumí/Charalampos Lykogiannis, Lykogiannis/Holm; Nikola Moro, Tommaso Pobega; Federico Bernardeschi, Riccardo Fabbian, Nicolás Domínguez; Thijs Dallinga
https://betarena.com/a/betarena-soccer/betting-tip-celta-de-vigo-vs-bologna-19568957-1765303989
Bologna are short of options in defence, so Jhon Lucumí might be forced to start...
Football Italia