Liverpool Host Bologna in Champions League Showdown at Anfield
Liverpool are set to face Italian opposition once again as they host Bologna in their second Champions League matchday at Anfield on Wednesday. Both sides had mixed results in their opening fixtures, with Liverpool coming from behind to defeat AC Milan 3-1 at the San Siro, while Bologna held Shakhtar Donetsk to a goalless draw at home.
Match Preview
Liverpool's victory over AC Milan was another chapter in the Reds' illustrious history against the Italian giants, with Christian Pulisic scoring early for Milan before Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai overturned the deficit to secure a 3-1 win.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool side are now riding a wave of momentum, having won their last four matches across all competitions. A 2-1 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, secured by Mohamed Salah's penalty, lifted the Reds to the top of the league, as title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal trail behind in a tight race.
Liverpool have an impeccable record in the Champions League group stages at Anfield, winning their last 10 such matches and scoring at least twice in their previous nine. As they face Bologna for the first time, the Reds will look to extend their European dominance in front of their home fans.
On the other hand, Bologna, returning to the Champions League for the first time since 1965, battled to a goalless draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in their opener. Now under the guidance of Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna have struggled to replicate their 2023-24 success, managing just one win in their last seven outings. However, they demonstrated resilience in their last Serie A match, holding Europa League champions Atalanta to a 1-1 draw despite playing with 10 men for much of the second half.
Team News
Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be assessing the fitness of Andy Robertson after a knock in the Wolves game, though the injury is not believed to be serious. Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota are expected to be fit, but Harvey Elliott is ruled out with a foot injury, while Federico Chiesa is a major doubt. Mohamed Salah will be chasing history, aiming to become the first Liverpool player to score in five consecutive European matches at Anfield.
Bologna will be without Jhon Lucumi, who is suspended after a red card against Atalanta, while Santiago Castro is a doubt after being forced off in the same game. Bologna are also missing ACL victim Lewis Ferguson and midfielders Tommaso Pobega and Oussama El Azzouzi.
Possible Lineups
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez
Bologna: Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Lykogiannis; Aebischer, Moro, Freuler; Orsolini, Dallinga, Ndoye
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