Liverpool will host Bologna at Anfield in Wednesday's Champions League clash as the Reds look to build on their strong European form. Following a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory against AC Milan at the San Siro, Liverpool will face a Bologna side that earned a hard-fought draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in their opening league phase match.
The Reds' knack for thrilling comebacks was on display once again in their opening Champions League game against AC Milan. Although they didn't need a 2005 Istanbul-style comeback, Liverpool quickly bounced back from an early Christian Pulisic goal and they also produced a dominant second-half performance. Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk capitalized on AC Milan's defensive lapses, with Dominik Szoboszlai sealing the win for Arne Slot's side.
Since that victory, Liverpool have enjoyed a fantastic run of form, stringing together four consecutive wins across all competitions. They dismantled West Ham United 5-1 in the EFL Cup third round and claimed Premier League victories against Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers. A Mohamed Salah penalty ensured a 2-1 success at Wolves at the weekend, sending Liverpool to the top of the Premier League standings, taking advantage of Manchester City's slip against Newcastle United.
Indeed, the Merseysiders sit top of the Premier League table following a tight 2-1 win at Wolves on Saturday. The Reds probably played if not the, then surely one of their least convincing performances under Slot, but unlike the home defeat to Nottingham Forest, this time they managed to convert enough scoring chances.
Heading into Wednesday's Champions League round, Liverpool will aim to extend their incredible home record. The Reds have won their last 10 European group stage games at Anfield, scoring at least twice in nine consecutive home matches.
Liverpool have a few injury concerns ahead of Wednesday's clash. Andy Robertson is doubtful after picking up a knock at the Molineux over the weekend, and midfielder Harvey Elliott is sidelined with a foot injury. However, Darwin Nunez is expected to return after missing the Wolves game due to illness.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah could make history if he scores, becoming the first Liverpool player to net in five consecutive Champions League matches at Anfield.
As expected, Bologna is struggling to maintain the same level of performances following Thiago Motta's departure, but the Rossoblu are about to experience their first-ever Champions League night outside of Italy.
After a goalless draw with Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in their opener, Vincenzo Italiano's side travel to face continental giants Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night (local time).
Bologna made their long-awaited return to Europe's top competition after a 60-year absence, and while they showed resilience in their match with Shakhtar Donetsk, they are still finding their footing in the Champions League. The Italian club, now under the guidance of Vincenzo Italiano, saw their previous coach, Thiago Motta, depart for Juventus after leading Bologna to their best season in recent history.
However, Bologna has struggled to replicate last season's success under Italiano. They have only managed one win in their last seven games across all competitions, and despite the goalless draw with Shakhtar, their form in Serie A has been underwhelming.
Currently sitting in 13th place in Serie A, Bologna's latest 1-1 draw with Atalanta - where they conceded a late equalizer after playing much of the match with 10 men - shows the team's ongoing struggles.
The red card shown to Colombian defender Jhon Lucumi in last weekend's draw will not impact his availability for the midweek trip to Liverpool, but Argentine striker Santiago Castro faces a late fitness test after being forced off.
The Italians are also missing several key players, including Scotland international Lewis Ferguson, as well as midfielders Tommaso Pobega and Oussama El Azzouzi, both out with knee injuries. If Castro is unavailable, summer signing Thijs Dallinga is likely to lead the attack, though the Dutch striker is still seeking his first goal for the club.
However, Dallinga had scored in both of Toulouse's (his ex-club) Europa League matches against Liverpool last season, including the consolation goal in a 5-1 defeat at Anfield as well as the second goal in their remarkable 3-2 home victory.
To be fair, Bologna will need to overcome significant challenges to stand a chance against a high-flying Liverpool side at Anfield.
Despite their disciplined display against Shakhtar Donetsk, Anfield presents a different level of challenge. While Bologna had 17 shots in their Champions League opener, they face a potent Liverpool attack, led by the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Nunez, that have been relentless at home.
Given Liverpool's attacking firepower and Bologna's struggles to replicate last season's form, the visitors are likely to face an uphill battle in their quest to leave Anfield with points. Vincenzo Italiano's men will need a resilient defensive performance to stand a chance against one of Europe's most formidable home sides.
We expect Liverpool to Cruise to Victory. With Arne Slot's Reds in excellent form both domestically and in Europe and Bologna yet to find consistency this season, it seems unlikely that the Italian side will cause an upset. Anfield has become a fortress in Europe, and Liverpool are well-placed to extend their winning run in front of their home fans. Expect the Reds to produce another confident performance as they target three more points in their pursuit of Champions League glory.
