Bologna vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction - Champions League
The Champions League clash between Bologna and Borussia Dortmund on 21 January 2025 at Stadio Renato Dell’Ara promises to be a compelling encounter. Dortmund, sitting 9th with 12 points, are the bookmakers’ favourites despite their recent poor form, including three consecutive losses. The pressure on Dortmund’s coach Nuri Sahin is immense, and his future hinges on this match. A loss could see Erik ten Hag potentially taking charge.
Bologna, 33rd with just 2 points, have shown resilience, as reflected in their WDDLW recent form. The weather forecast for the evening is cold with a few clouds.
Our match tips suggest betting on Borussia Dortmund -1.00 Asian Handicap as it offers good value given their away performances in this competition.
Bologna vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction & Betting Tip
| Bologna vs. Borussia Dortmund Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Borussia Dortmund -1.00 (Asian Handicap) | 2.78 |
- Borussia Dortmund are favourites to win, as indicated by both their position and points in the competition.
- Dortmund have scored in 100% of their matches this season.
- Bologna have conceded more goals and have only managed 1 clean sheet in their last 5 games, making Dortmund’s win by a margin likely.
Further, considering the weather conditions at Stadio Renato Dell’Ara, with few clouds and cold temperatures, a disciplined defensive display along with Dortmund’s consistent scoring makes the Asian Handicap bet highly favourable.
Bologna vs Borussia Dortmund Odds
| Bologna vs. Borussia Dortmund Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Bologna | 3.42 |
| Draw | 3.59 |
| Borussia Dortmund | 2.07 |
With Bologna languishing at 33rd place and Borussia Dortmund in 9th, the odds clearly favour the away team. Dortmund’s consistent scoring in the Champions League makes them the bookmaker’s favourite.
The value lies in the -1.00 Asian Handicap for Dortmund at 2.78, making it an appealing option for bettors expecting a win by more than one goal. Considering the difference in form and the away side’s need for a b result, these odds reflect the current dynamics well.
Bologna Team Analysis
Bologna has shown a mix of resilience and attacking flair in their recent run of games. Their form is depicted below:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna | Monza | 3-1 (Win) |
| Inter | Bologna | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Bologna | Roma | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Bologna | Verona | 2-3 (Loss) |
| Torino | Bologna | 0-2 (Win) |
Despite struggling in the league with just 2 points and ranking 33rd, Bologna has been able to find the back of the net repeatedly, averaging 2.20 goals per game in their last five matches.
Their defense has kept just one clean sheet in these outings, demonstrating a need for more defensive stability. The recent performances show they can be competitive, highlighting the form and teamwork under coach Vincenzo Italiano.
Bologna Key Players
Bologna’s key players for this Champions League showdown include forward Santiago Castro and midfielder Riccardo Orsolini. Orsolini’s creativity and drive from the wing position will be crucial in breaking down Borussia Dortmund’s defense. Additionally, coach Vincenzo Italiano will be relying heavily on Santiago Castro to convert the chances provided. Benjamin Dominguez can also be a significant influence in midfield with his ability to control the game’s tempo and dictate play.
Expected lineup for Bologna:
- Goalkeeper: Lukasz Skorupski
- Defenders: Emil Holm, Sam Beukema, Nicolò Casale, Charalampos Lykogiannis
- Midfielders: Remo Freuler, Nikola Moro, Riccardo Orsolini, Jens Odgaard, Dan Ndoye
- Forwards: Santiago Castro
Their ability to exploit Dortmund’s defensive lapses could be a deciding factor.
Bologna Suspensions & Injuries
Bologna will be facing some challenges on the injury front, which could have a significant impact on their performance against Borussia Dortmund.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Oussama El Azzouzi | Knee injury | Unknown |
| Michel Aebischer | Muscle injury | Unknown |
Both Oussama El Azzouzi and Michel Aebischer’s absences will be felt in midfield, reducing the team’s depth and potentially affecting their ability to maintain control in the center of the park. Coach Vincenzo Italiano will need to rely on his squad’s depth to fill these gaps effectively.
Bologna Tactics and Formation
Bologna Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Santiago Castro
- Midfield Duo: Remo Freuler, Nikola Moro
- Defensive Line: Emil Holm, Sam Beukema, Nicolò Casale, Charalampos Lykogiannis
- Goalkeeper: Lukasz Skorupski
Despite their low standing and limited points, Bologna has shown resilience in recent games. They have averaged 2.20 goals in their last five matches, suggesting an ability to score under pressure. Coach Vincenzo Italiano seems to favor a balanced approach with a solid midfield pairing to disrupt Dortmund’s play.
Notable Strategy: Bologna has notably scored most of their goals during the 61-75 minute interval, indicating a b finish and tactical adjustments post-halftime. Their backline, however, must step up to fend off Dortmund’s consistent scoring prowess.
Borussia Dortmund Team Analysis
Borussia Dortmund’s recent form has been a mixed bag with three losses followed by a draw and a win. Given their b position in the league, fans will expect a bounce back against Bologna. Dortmund’s defense has struggled for clean sheets, having not kept one in their last five games, but they have managed an average of 1.60 goals per game during this period.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Eintracht Frankfurt | Borussia Dortmund | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Holstein Kiel | Borussia Dortmund | 4-2 (Loss) |
| Borussia Dortmund | Bayer Leverkusen | 2-3 (Loss) |
| Wolfsburg | Borussia Dortmund | 1-3 (Win) |
| Borussia Dortmund | Hoffenheim | 1-1 (Draw) |
With the likes of Serhou Guirassy consistently finding the net, Dortmund remains a formidable attacking side capable of troubling Bologna’s defense.
Borussia Dortmund Key Players
Borussia Dortmund will rely heavily on their top scorer, Serhou Guirassy, who has netted 6 goals in the competition so far. His direct style of play and finishing ability will be integral in breaking down Bologna’s defence.
Another crucial player is Julian Brandt, who is expected to start in midfield. His creativity and vision could unlock Bologna’s backline, while Emre Can’s presence as the defensive midfielder will provide stability and shield the defence.
Expected lineup for Borussia Dortmund:
- Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
- Defenders: Almugera Kabar, Waldemar Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck, Julian Ryerson
- Midfielders: Emre Can, Julian Brandt, Pascal Groß, Felix Nmecha, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
- Forward: Serhou Guirassy
Pay attention to individual battles, especially Guirassy against Bologna centre-backs Sam Beukema and Nicolò Casale.
Borussia Dortmund Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Niklas Süle | Ankle injury | Early February 2025 |
| Waldemar Anton | Flu | A few days |
| Ramy Bensebaini | Flu | A few days |
| Alexander Meyer | Flu | A few days |
| Emre Can | Flu | A few days |
| Jamie Bynoe-Gittens | Physical discomfort | A few days |
| Filippo Mané | Flu | A few days |
| Nico Schlotterbeck | Flu | A few days |
| Karim Adeyemi | Flu | A few days |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
| Ramy Bensebaini | Yellow cards | 1 match left |
Borussia Dortmund faces several absences due to injury and illness, particularly with a wave of flu affecting key players like Emre Can and Karim Adeyemi. Their defence will also miss the stability provided by Niklas Süle, who remains sidelined.
These absences could disrupt Dortmund’s rhythm, especially in defence and midfield, where several first-team regulars might not feature. This presents a challenging scenario for coach Nuri Sahin.
Borussia Dortmund Tactics and Formation
Borussia Dortmund’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-1-4-1
- Key Forward: Serhou Guirassy (6 goals this season)
- Midfield Dynamics: Emre Can (Defensive Midfielder), Julian Brandt, Pascal Groß, Felix Nmecha, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
- Defensive Stability: Nico Schlotterbeck and Waldemar Anton as center backs
Despite facing several absences due to injuries and illness, Dortmund are expected to stick to their 4-1-4-1 formation. Emre Can will provide vital cover in front of the backline, while the midfield quartet will be tasked with both supporting the attack and tracking back to help defensively.
Their strategy focuses on maintaining a high press and quick transitions, utilizing Guirassy’s agility and finishing skills up front. With key players out, Dortmund may lean on their wide players like Bynoe-Gittens to create scoring opportunities.
