{"id":1424959,"date":"2026-01-20T08:37:49","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T08:37:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&p=1424959"},"modified":"2026-01-20T08:37:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T08:37:51","slug":"match-preview-bologna-vs-celtic-22-01-2026-europa-league","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/match-preview-bologna-vs-celtic-22-01-2026-europa-league\/","title":{"rendered":"Bologna vs Celtic: predictions, stats, tips & odds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bologna face Celtic in a Europa League<\/a> showdown that pits one of the tournament\u2019s tightest defences against an attack-minded side struggling for balance. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kick-off is set for 17:45 on Thursday at Stadio Renato Dall\u2019Ara, as both teams look to boost their continental credentials. Bologna\u2019s gritty defensive record collides with Celtic\u2019s technical efficiency, setting the stage for a fascinating tactical contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Best Bets & Predictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Based on current form and season stats, these are our best betting recommendations for this clash. We\u2019re especially confident in a Bologna win, given their defensive superiority and Celtic\u2019s recent frailties at the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Our Prediction<\/th>\nOdds & Bookmaker<\/th>\nConfidence<\/th>\nWhy We’re Backing It<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Bologna to Win<\/strong><\/td>\n40\/85 @ Bet365<\/a>
(68.0%)<\/td>\n		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nWe are backing Bologna to win because they have conceded just 5 goals all season, less than half the number Celtic have allowed, and boast superior aerial and tackling figures. Celtic\u2019s leaky defence and Bologna\u2019s home form suggest value in the hosts, even at a short price.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Both Teams to Score: No<\/strong><\/td>\n20\/21 @ Bet365<\/a>
(51.2%)<\/td>\n		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nThere could be value here as Bologna\u2019s matches have been low-scoring and they\u2019ve kept a clean sheet in one of six, while Celtic have failed to break through stronger defences and average just over a goal per game. Bologna\u2019s defensive structure may frustrate Celtic\u2019s frontline.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n

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    Season Form & Standings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Bologna have excelled defensively, shipping just 5 goals in 6 matches (0.83 per game) while averaging 1.5 goals scored. Celtic, despite technical quality, have conceded 11 goals (1.83 per game) and managed only 7 scored. Both sides are mid-table in continental competition but Bologna\u2019s superior goal difference (+6) highlights their efficiency at both ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Team<\/th>\nPos<\/th>\nP<\/th>\nW<\/th>\nD<\/th>\nL<\/th>\nGF<\/th>\nGA<\/th>\nGD<\/th>\nPts<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Bologna<\/td>\n13<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n+4<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Celtic<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n-4<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

    Potential Match-Winners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Bologna:<\/strong> With no standout top scorer, Bologna\u2019s goals are spread across the team\u2014Jon Rowe and Riccardo Orsolini are likely to play key attacking roles. Rowe, a proven finisher, could be decisive if given chances, while Orsolini\u2019s directness and ability to win fouls in advanced areas may trouble Celtic\u2019s back line. Defensively, Torbjorn Heggem\u2019s organisation and the aerial prowess of Charalampos Lykogiannis will be vital, with the team averaging nearly 15 successful aerial duels per match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Celtic:<\/strong> Celtic\u2019s attacking threat is similarly distributed. Benjamin Nygren brings experience and a knack for arriving in dangerous areas, while Daizen Maeda offers relentless running and pressing. Reo Hatate, with his creativity from midfield, could be key to unlocking Bologna. Celtic rely on technical precision: their pass accuracy (84.7%) and shot accuracy (46.2%) are among the best in the group stages, though translating that into goals has been a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Head-to-Head: Last 6 Meetings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There are no recent competitive meetings between Bologna and Celtic. This fresh match-up adds intrigue, with no direct historical patterns to lean on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n\n\n
    Date<\/th>\nScore<\/th>\nCompetition<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    No previous meetings<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Will Bologna’s Defence Decide It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Bologna\u2019s resilience at the back is the single biggest factor heading into this tie. Celtic\u2019s attack may find joy in possession, but their record against well-organised sides has been patchy. With the hosts showing more consistency and efficiency, backing Bologna to win at 40\/85 with Bet365<\/a> (68.0%) looks justified, while a low-scoring game\u2014such as Both Teams to Score: No at 20\/21<\/a> (51.2%)\u2014is another angle worth considering if you expect Bologna\u2019s defensive discipline to prevail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n

    Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n