Liverpool host Bologna in the Champions League

The Champions League returns to Anfield after a hiatus of over 18 months when Liverpool host Bologna on matchday two of the league phase on Wednesday, October 2nd. The Reds have already made a winning start to the European Cup, thanks to a 3-1 success at San Siro on matchday one a fortnight ago thanks to goals from Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai.

The last time Liverpool were at Anfield for a Champions League night, Real Madrid were comfortable victors with a 5-2 win but against a Bologna side that was held to a goalless draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champions League opener, Arne Slot should fancy his chances of comfortably clinching all three points in his maiden European night in front of the Merseyside faithful.

The six-time champions of the continent come into the match having earned a hard-fought win away at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League at the weekend while Bologna, who were at home, were denied a win against Atalanta by a stoppage time equaliser from La Dea.

Team News

Liverpool

Liverpool coach Arne Slot is still without Harvey Elliott owing to his broken foot while Darwin Nunez is a doubt for the fixture having fallen ill recently. Mohamed Salah, however, is available and is the top goal-scorer for Liverpool this season in all competitions. He scored the team’s last Champions League goal at Anfield in 2023 and will be looking to open his account for the season in the European Cup over the weekend.

There could be a start for Federico Chiesa on the left flank with Slot needing to make the most of his squad depth in a packed list of fixtures. The former Juventus star did not play a single minute against Wolves at the weekend, which possibly suggests that he will have a starring role to play against Bologna in the Champions League.

Barring Chiesa’s inclusion, there are unlikely to be wholesale changes in the Liverpool line-up as their priority will be to secure a berth in the knockout phases of the competition as early as possible. Bologna were the surprise package in Serie A last season and Slot will certainly not underestimate the Italians in spite of holding home advantage.

PREDICTED LIVERPOOL XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Chiesa; Jota

Bologna

Bologna have two confirmed absentees ahead of their trip to Liverpool as Lewis Ferguson and Tomasso Pobega are not available for selection due to injuries. Oussama El Azzouzi’s participation is doubtful as well owing to a knee injury. The Serie A side has no suspension issues to contend with for Wednesday’s game.

Bologna have won just one of their last five matches, drawing the other four but let a crucial win escape their grasp against Atalanta. They would ideally be happy with a point at Anfield and as they did for much of last season, a defensive low block for majority of the 90 minutes could ensue in their second Champions League match of the season.

Vincenzo Italiano is unlikely to shuffle things up too dramatically from last time around given the magnitude of the fixture against Liverpool. Santiago Castro will be the team’s attacking outlet and is the top scorer so far in the campaign for Bologna with three goals and one assist to his name in all competitions.

PREDICTED BOLOGNA XI (4-3-3): Skorupski; Posch, Beukuema, Orsolini, Lykogiannis; Fabbian, Freuler, Aebischer; Lucumi, Castro, Ndoye

Match-deciding duel

Federico Chiesa vs Stefan Posch

If indeed Federico Chiesa starts the match against Bologna, Liverpool could use him as their creative outlet and exploit the Serie A side. Having played in the Italian top flight for much of his career, the summer signing will know what he must do best to overcome a solid defence and could play a decisive role if the Reds are to beat their opponent on Wednesday.

Stefan Posch is a quality full-back and will give Chiesa a tough test as well so how the duo squares up could prove pivotal in determining the result of the match.

Prediction

Liverpool 2-0 Bologna

Bologna’s five-match unbeaten streak has largely seen them draw matches but Liverpool’s quality could prove too hot to handle for them. The Reds are likely to dominate and clinch a favourable result.

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The Anfield crowd will be happy with the performance and Chiesa could be decisive in front of the home support.