Bologna are in problems after losing their last two league fixtures, meaning this is basically a must-win game for the Felsinei. Chievo arrive at Renato Dall’Ara high on spirits after winning four of last five matches, but that doesn’t mean they are the favourites for the win.

Three key players return

Considering the numerous changes their squad underwent in the summer, Bologna’s inconsistency this term is not that surprising, but the team clearly do not deserve to be located in the danger zone. Some of Felsinei’s notable results this season include away wins over Roma and Napoli as well as a 4-0 home triumph over very good Catania side, but the reality is they now sit just two points above the bottom three. Bologna may have suffered back to back defeats to Parma and Genoa, but their showings in those matches were not that bad, meaning the players have reason for optimism ahead of the clash with Chievo. With key players Alessandro Diamanti, Diego Perez and Manolo Gabbiadini returning to the starting line-up, there is every chance Bologna will manage to return to winning ways against a team that rarely bring points from the travels.

Archimede Morleo and Tiberio Guarente are suspended, while Cesare Natali is sidelined through injury. Panagiotis Kone is doubtful with a knee problem.

Chievo on fire

With important players Michael Bradley and Francesco Acerbi leaving in the summer, Chievo largely struggled in the opening exchanges, but they have since managed to get their campaign back on track. After playing poorly for two or three months, the Flying Donkeys upped their game to win four of last five league matches, although we have to be fair and point out they did not really deserve to win all those games. Eugenio Corini’s side were fortunate enough to come out on top of several closely contested encounters, but nobody really expects them to stay in mid table for much longer. While their 2-0-7 away record cannot give Chievo much reason for optimism before the Bologna game, their chances of getting something from this match are further damaged by the absence of four first team regulars. Given that boss Eugenio Corini does not have such a big squad to choose from, there is every chance the absentees will be sorely missed.

Dario Dainelli is suspended, while Nicolas Frey, Boukari Drame, Perparim Hetemaj and Mamadou Samassa are all unavailable through injury.

Verdict

Bologna clearly deserve to be better placed than they are at the moment, and the return of three important players could be just the boost they need to return to winning ways. Chievo, on the other hand, usually struggle on the travels and arrive at Renato Dall’Ara without four starters.

Top pick: Home win   2.10 (11/10) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 1: Bologna to score two or more   2.40 (7/5) @ Sportingbet

Alternative pick 2: Bologna to win to nil   3.50 (5/2) @ Paddy Power

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