Bologna vs Monza: 22 Goals Conceded in 9 Games Weigh Heavily on the Visitors

Twenty-two goals conceded in 9 games. That is the figure that weighs most on Monza, 16th in the table with 7 points, ahead of the trip to Bologna. Monza have scored 16, but their record reads 2 wins, 1 draw and 6 defeats.

Bologna are 11th with 11 points: 3 wins, 2 draws, 4 defeats. They have scored 12 and conceded 12. A mid-table side, with no real imbalances. But they come in on the back of two straight away wins.

Form: Bologna on the rise, Monza slipping

In their last 5 league games Bologna have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1. Starting from the most recent: 4-2 away at Milan, 2-0 away at Cagliari, 1-3 against Inter, 2-1 away at Lecce, 1-1 against Torino. Total: 10 goals scored and 7 conceded.

Monza's path has been the opposite. Over their last 5, counting the league and a friendly against Brest, they have 1 win, 1 draw and 3 defeats, with 10 goals scored and 12 conceded. Starting from the most recent: 4-1 home defeat to Napoli, 3-2 loss away at Torino, 4-0 against Cagliari (the only win), 3-1 loss away at Lazio, 2-2 in the friendly with Brest.

Monza can score: the 4-0 against Cagliari proves it. But in the 4 league games in that run, they have conceded 3 or more goals on 3 occasions. Over the same last 5, Bologna have scored at least 2 goals in 3 games.

Varela, the man to stop

Monza have one clear reference point up front: Gustavo Varela, with 8 goals and 1 assist.

Head-to-head favours Bologna

Six meetings: 3 Bologna wins, 1 Monza win, 2 draws, 12 goals in total. The last two games played in Bologna ended 3-1 and 4-0 to the hosts. The most recent meeting at Monza finished 2-1 to Bologna.

Absentees: both infirmaries are busy

Bologna are without E. Holm and R. Orsolini (thigh problem) and R. Piccoli (hamstring problem). L. De Silvestri is doubtful with a muscle problem, and J. Enem with an Achilles tendon problem.

Monza are without M. Pessina (knee) and J. Ziolkowski (foot). Y. Maye is doubtful with a muscle problem. M. Folorunsho is doubtful for tactical reasons.

What the numbers say

The table brings the two sides closer together: Bologna 11th with 11 points, Monza 16th with 7. Form pulls them apart. Bologna have just beaten Milan and are scoring steadily. Monza keep leaking goals. The head-to-head points the same way. Bologna's treatment room, with 3 confirmed absentees, is the one thing holding them back. Monza have 2, plus 2 doubts.

What to watch

Keep an eye on two things over the next few days: the condition of De Silvestri and Enem, and how Monza's defence responds after the 4-1 defeat to Napoli.