Preview: Bologna hold the edge as Dall'Ara beckons
Bologna welcome Celtic to Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on 22/01/2026 with momentum and bookmakers firmly on their side. The hosts sit above their visitors in the Europa League group with 11 points from six matches and have shown a sharper attacking profile across the campaign, nine goals to Celtic’s seven. At home Bologna have been the livelier side in terms of shots and territory — their season averages include nearly 18 total shots per game and a corners average north of six — and that sustained pressure explains why the market places them as clear favorites at 1.54. The Italian side’s recent domestic form is mixed but competitive: a narrow 1-2 loss to Fiorentina followed a 3-2 win at Verona, highlighting a team that can both score and be vulnerable in transition. Celtic arrive having rolled through a Scottish Cup tie midweek and carrying the confidence of several recent wins, but their continental numbers tell a bleaker story — 11 goals conceded in six group outings and no clean sheets on the road so far.
Tactical angle and statistical context
This is a clash of two different identities. Bologna generate far more chances and dangerous attacks per game, while Celtic rely on clinical bursts and counter moments, reflected in their lower shots average but decent away scoring total. The BTTS indicators are interesting: Bologna’s home matches have shown both teams scoring around half the time, while Celtic’s away profile points to BTTS being even more likely. Over/under trends suggest a modest lean toward over 2.5 goals across Celtic’s fixtures, but the home side’s solidity at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara — only two goals conceded at home in their recorded stats — tempers that a touch. Savvy punters who prefer studying risk should also refresh fundamentals on bookmaking math; a quick read on Odds and probabilities in sports betting helps frame why a 1.54 price for Bologna reflects both form and market confidence. If you’re weighing goal-based angles, consider timing and context before committing — the guide on the right time to place bets on goal markets is a useful companion for game-day decisions.
Verdict and betting suggestion
This fixture shapes up as a home-favouring contest. Bologna combine home efficiency, higher volume of chances, and a superior group position, while Celtic’s defensive fragility in European action invites danger. The market’s support for a Bologna victory is understandable and, given the underlying numbers, is the clearest value play.
Betting suggestion: Back Bologna to win (1) in the 1X2 market.
