Verdict: Aston Villa to score in both halves
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Opening up their Europa Conference League qualifying adventure on Wednesday evening, Aston Villa will travel to Scotland when they meet Hibernian.
Hibernian
Starting with the hosts, while Hibernian might have claimed a crucial boost while on League Cup duties over the weekend as they landed a 2-1 victory at home against Raith, Lee Johnson’s men have struggled to find much stability. Opening the 2023/24 campaign with a woeful performance at Easter Road as they slumped to a 3-2 loss at home against St. Mirren, the one-time Sunderland boss will be more than aware that his inconsistent squad faces a real challenge on Wednesday evening. Despite extending on their Europa Conference League qualifying adventure thanks to an action-packed 5-3 aggregate victory against Luzern earlier in the month, Hibs have certainly shown some extended defensive issues. Including a shock 2-1 loss at the hands of Motherwell on August 13th, Johnson’s side are yet to record a single clean sheet from their opening six appearances across all competitions.
Team News
Once again finding the net against Raith while on League Cup duties over the weekend and now notching back-to-back strikes, 24-year-old Thody Elie Youan should spearhead Hibs’ charge on Wednesday evening.
Suffering a first-leg ankle injury against Luzern earlier in the month and missing out over the weekend, Johnson will once again be without Dylan Levitt at Easter Road.
Aston Villa
As for the visitors, while Aston Villa might have opened the 2023/24 campaign with a dreadful 5-1 drumming at the hands of Newcastle, Unai Emery’s men certainly came roaring back over the weekend. Putting in a thumping performance on home soil as they stormed their way to a 4-0 romp against Everton, the Villains have only continued to gain a string of plaudits since they appointed the one-time Arsenal boss last season. Shocking many as they claimed a European return back in May, Wednesday’s guests have quickly gained a reputation for their free-flowing approach. Feeling like they have been handed a golden chance to punch their group stage ticket this month, Villa should find the mood in their camp at a continued high. With some around the Midlands feeling that their side could mount another genuine top-six charge this time around, Emery’s men will be looking to pick up a crucial first-leg advantage when they make the trip to Edinburgh in midweek.
Team News
Limping off with what looked to be a long-term injury against Everton over the weekend, Aston Villa will travel to Scotland without ex-Barcelona superstar Philippe Coutinho on Wednesday evening. Likewise, Emery will also be without the duo of Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings.
Coming off the bench and bagging his first Villa goal against Everton a few days ago, former Chicago Fire striker John Duran could be handed a start here.
Key Factors to Consider
- Aston Villa’s opening two Premier League appearances have produced 10 goals at both ends of the pitch.
- Continuing on from last season, Emery’s men have failed to win any of their previous five Premier League contests on the road.
- Each of Hibernian’s opening six appearances across all competitions have finished with over 2.5 goals.
- Wednesday’s hosts are yet to record a single clean sheet since opening up the 2023/24 campaign.
- Villa’s Europa Conference League opener in midweek will be their first European appearance since the 2010/11 campaign.
Conclusion
Making an immediate return to winning ways over the weekend as Aston Villa stormed their way to a routine 4-0 romp at home against Everton, Emery will be calling on a repeat performance here. Although the Premier League outfit might be without an away victory from their previous five contests on the road continuing on from last season, the Villains should be confident of picking up a first-leg advantage here. With Hibs continuing to show some rather glaring defensive issues since opening the 2023/24 campaign, the Edinburgh-based outfit should be bracing themselves for a stern examination at Easter Road in midweek.
Verdict: Aston Villa to score in both halves
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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