Pioli party procession to persist in Bologna
Sinisa Mihajlovic’s enterprising Bologna play host to table topping AC Milan this Saturday, one of their coveted gaffer’s former employers. Having been impressive in the odd game this season but not producing consistent performances the Red and Blues are fluctuating between mid table and the bottom half, looking likely to finish somewhere close to their 12th placed finish last term. Milan under Stefano Pioli have been nothing short of brilliant and one of the stories of the 2020/21 campaign across Europe, despite a 3-0 loss at home to Atalanta last time out they are still two points clear of Inter at the summit, write them off at your peril.
Process
There is value here in backing Milan, Bologna can challenge anyone on their day, but that day has not been often enough to see them earn such respect from the bookies. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading the line, Milan have more than enough to get the win and continue to put the pressure on the chasing pack. The visitors have been pretty fortunate in a defensive sense this term and will see a regression in their rearguard action if their process does not improve, they have conceded just 22 from 26.3 expected goals, ranking eighth in the league for expected goals against, not table topping form. Going forward they are strong and will fancy their chances against a brittle Bologna backline. They rank second for expected goals against, scoring 39 from 39.9.
The hosts have a sustainable lower to mid table process, they have scored 24 from 25.6 and conceded 33 from 31.7. The Red and Blues must be careful their season does not tail off with the gap between the race for European competition and the relegation conversation a comfortable one in both senses, no doubt Mihajlovic will instill an intensity in the squad but they do not have the defensive acumen.
Goals?
Certainly an option, Bologna are much better going forward and Milan have conceded plenty of chances this term. However it is one I will avoid given the excellent form of Gianluigi Donnarumma this campaign.
- Bologna have scored in seven of 10.
- Bologna have conceded in eight of 10.
- Bologna have seen both teams score in six of 10.
- Bologna have seen over 2.5 goals in five of 10.
- Milan have scored in eight of 10.
- Milan have conceded in six of 10, registering three clean sheets in their last four.
- Milan have seen both teams score in five of 10.
- Milan have seen over 2.5 goals in six of 10.
Milan are the bet here, the price looks juicy given the league table and the quality they possess in both boxes.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Get in there, 2-1 Milan. Bologna made it interesting with a late goal, another great result for Stefano Pioli and his men at the top of Serie A.