Aston Villa Aims for Europa League Revival Amid Domestic Struggles

Aston Villa's Challenging Start

Aston Villa is hoping to turn around its fortunes as they prepare to kick off their Europa League campaign against Serie A’s Bologna. After a promising previous season, Villa finds itself in a bit of a pickle, sitting at the bottom of the Premier League with no wins in their first five matches. Their recent performance showcased a glimmer of hope, managing to score their first league goal in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, although they remain firmly rooted at the bottom.

Leadership Changes and a Tough Schedule

With director of football Monchi recently exiting the club following a less-than-stellar transfer window, the pressure is on manager Unai Emery. He needs to rally his squad quickly, as they face Bologna next, followed by a match against in-form Fulham, and another Europa League fixture against Feyenoord. Despite their current challenges, Villa is still considered a favorite to win the Europa League, with odds suggesting they might just find their footing.

Betting Odds and Predictions

Betting agencies seem cautiously optimistic, offering odds for a potential win against Bologna at around 5/6. A scrappy 2-1 victory appears to be a realistic prediction, as fans hope their star players, like Ollie Watkins, will finally break free from their early-season slump. However, the current odds also hint at a worrying possibility of finishing in the lower half of the Premier League, a stark contrast to their previous season's success.