Aston Villa’s UEFA Euorpa Conference League qualification round opponent has been decided. Scottish side, Hibernian will travel to Villa park.
Following Hibs’ 5-3 aggregate win against Swiss side, Luzern, their place was booked in the next round.
In the first leg of the tie, Lee Johnson’s side won by three goals to one at Easter Park taking a healthy lead away.
The away leg was closely contested, going back and forth all evening.
Thody Elie Youan put Hibs into the lead after just ten minutes.
Two goals from the hosts, saw the aggregate score separated by just one goal.
Martin Boyle’s 73rd minute equaliser put the tie to bed, sending his side to the next round.
What threat do Hibernian pose to Aston Villa?
Typically, Johnson operates with a 5-3-2 formation, making his side defensively sound.
Soaking up pressure and then springing counter attacks is what they will look to do, especially at Villa Park.
There is plenty of height in the side, making aerial duels and set pieces a threat for Hibs.
With wing backs looking to get forward and counter attacks frequent, this can leave The Hibbies struggling defending opposition counters.
As a well drilled, defensively solid side themselves, Villa will be looking to take advantage of these opportunities.
With speedsters like Moussa Diaby, Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins at the top end of the pitch, it could be a useful weapon.
Villa fans will remember the name Adam Le Fondre from a freezing cold night in Bolton years ago.
With two goals this season he is the top scorer for Hibs.
Knowing how things usually work for the Villains, a former foe always come back to bite them.
With this being said, Unai Emery’s side have got to have confidence going into this one, with a win the only acceptable result.
