Champions League: Liverpool Can Give Bologna a Rude Awakening

Liverpool vs Bologna

Liverpool continue their 2024-25 Champions League campaign against Bologna, when they will host them at Anfield on Tuesday evening for the second matchday in the new tournament format.

The Reds had a brief scare against AC Milan in the first game but came away with a 3-1 victory. Now, Liverpool still only have one loss so far in all competitions this season, and they’re planning to keep it that way.

On the other hand, Bologna were held to a goalless draw by Shakhtar Donetsk in the first game. They might be 13^th in the Serie A standings, but you cannot deny that the Rossoblu are undefeated in their last five games across all competitions.

Arne Slot’s side are the overwhelming favourites in the pre-game SBOTOP betting odds, but can Vincenzo Italiano’s guys spring a surprise?

Talking Points

Liverpool face fitness concerns

Arne Slot will have to rotate his squad given their packed schedule, and he faces the prospect of not having two of his key players against Bologna on Tuesday.

Andy Robertson had to be subbed off late in their 2-1 win over Wolves because he was limping after a challenge from Carlos Forbs late in the game. The full-back was replaced by Joe Gomez in the 89^th minute.

Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez was given the day off because he was feeling under the weather. The Uruguayan striker is fighting against time to make it back on the pitch against Bologna.

Arne Slot expressed his optimism about Robertson and Nunez’s fitness ahead of Tuesday’s game. But even if they’re ready to play, don’t be surprised if the Dutchman rules them out.

If that’s the case, expect Joe Gomez or Kostas Tsimikas to contend for Robertson’s spot, while Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota will do the same for Nunez’s position.

Harvey Elliott remains a long-term injury absentee, as the midfielder’s expected to be out until the end of October due to a foot fracture.

Either way, expect Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz to be part of the Champions League 2024 highlights reel since they are the team’s leading scorers so far this term.

Castro could be the x-factor for Bologna

Bologna look a lot different without Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori, who both left for the Premier League, meaning others have to step up.

If the Rossoblu are going to find success in the Champions League this term, it’ll be on the back of fine performances from Santiago Castro, who joined the team in January from Velez Sarsfield.

The 20-year-old striker is in fine form, as he has scored three times already, with two of those goals coming from long distance against Monza and Atalanta. Castro sustained a calf knock against Atalanta, but according to reports, he should be fit to play at Anfield.

Other than Santiago Castro, Bologna will also need strong performances from Remo Freuler, Dan Ndoye, Michel Aebischer, and Kacper Urbanski for them to have a chance against the Reds.

History

This contest between Liverpool and Bologna is 60+ years in the making since the latter has qualified for the Champions League for the first time following their fifth-place finish in Serie A last season under Thiago Motta.

Bologna haven’t been great on the road lately, as they’ve only won twice in their previous five away matches dating back to last season. However, they won their most recent away match, as they beat Monza 2-1 last week.

Liverpool were in the Europa League last season and made it as far as the quarter-finals before losing to eventual winners Atalanta with an aggregate tally of 3-1.

The Reds have a rich history here in the Champions League compared to the Rossoblu, as they’ve won the coveted trophy six times, with the last one being in 2018-19.

Betting Tip

As mentioned, the Champions League 2024 odds have the Reds likely winning this match. Liverpool are priced at 1.19, whereas Bologna are massive 10.00 underdogs, and a draw is at 6.10 in the 1X2 market.

Liverpool are on a roll in the final third lately, and such a trend should continue at Anfield on Tuesday. So, other than our recommended bet above, you may also go for Over 3.00 at 1.75, Over 3.25 at 1.99, or even Total Goal 4-6 at 2.40.

A win for Bologna is already considered a miracle of sorts, based on the Correct Score readings. Holding Liverpool to a 0-0 draw would win you 23.00, and winning with a 1-0 result could give you a staggering 36.00 payout.

 

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