Liverpool Vs. Bologna: Dramatical Debut At Anfield, Who Will Be Embedded?

Mohamed Salah and Ruben Diaz, can be different for Liverpool (photo: x @lfc)

JAKARTA - Liverpool will host Bologna at Anfield on Wednesday night, September 2 or Thursday morning WIB, in the second match of the 2024/2025 Champions League group stage. This match became very interesting because Bologna will make their debut in European competition after 60 years, while Liverpool are trying to maintain an impressive record at Anfield.

Bologna, who successfully finished fifth in Serie A last season, are proud to be able to appear in the Champions League after so long. However, they had to face tough challenges after losing some key players in the summer transfer window, including coach Thiago Motta who switched to Juventus. Under the leadership of Vincenzo Italiano, Bologna has been trying to rebuild his team, despite the results earlier this season showing that they are still adapting.

Bologna have only won one win in the last seven matches in Serie A and are currently 12th in the standings. They drew 0-0 against Shakhtar Donetsk in their group's first game, which showed defensive toughness, but they had to improve attacking performance to challenge a Liverpool-class team.

Meanwhile Liverpool came to this match with high confidence after winning four consecutive wins in all competitions. Arne Slot's side recently recorded a 3-1 win over AC Milan at the San Siro, where they managed to bounce back after being left behind. Liverpool are currently also at the top of the Premier League standings after a 3-2 win over Wolverhampton, where Mohamed Salah scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot.

Liverpool have an impressive record in the Champions League, especially at Anfield, where they have won their last ten group games and have always scored twice or more in their last nine games.

Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano usually applies a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lukasz Skorupski as the main goalkeeper. On the defense, Bologna will rely on Stefan Posch and Charalampos Lykogiannis as full-backs, while Sam Beukema and Jhon Littleimi will be the heart of defense. In midfield, Remo Freuler and Michel Aebischer will be game controllers, with Lewis Ferguson who is recovering from an ACL injury.

Santiago Castro became a key player on the front lines after replacing Joshua Zirkzee, and he has shown promising performance despite a minor injury. Team captain, Riccardo Orsolini, is also a threat to the right flank with his ability to score goals.

Liverpool will still wait for news about Andy Robertson, who suffered a minor injury, although manager Arne Slot is optimistic he can play. Darwin Nunez is expected to return after illness, while Harvey Elliott is definitely absent due to a broken leg injury.

Bologna will not be strengthened by Lewis Ferguson, who suffered serious injuries, as well as Tommoso Pobega and Oussama El Azzouzi who are also still recovering. Jhon Limini will be available despite getting a red card in the last match against Atalanta.

With an impressive record at Anfield and a deeper squad strength, Liverpool are expected to be favorites to win this game. Bologna must show their best game and take advantage of every opportunity to disrupt Liverpool's rhythm of play. If they can maintain the defensive resilience that has been shown in previous matches, Bologna may be able to steal a point from this match. However, Liverpool have strong motivation to continue their dominance in the Champions League, and a great opportunity for them to gain three points at home

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez

Bologna (4-2-3-1):Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Funny, Lykogiannis; Aebischer, Moro, Freuler; Orsolini, Dallinga, Ndoye