Edinburgh will be rocking tonight when Aston Villa invade the Scottish capital on Europa Conference League duty in front of a full house at Easter Road.
Hibs last European encounter with an English club was back in 1975 when a John Toshack hat-trick for Liverpool turned the tie in the Reds’ favour following a 1-0 win for the Hibees at Easter Road.
If you’re looking for positives for Hibs then they’re unbeaten in their last seven European matches at home, but Aston Villa represent a significant step-up in class to any of the sides they’re faced in that period.
Villa manager Unai Emery knows a thing or two about winning European trophies, he’s led sides to no fewer than five Europa League finals, winning four of them and he’s early favourite to do so once again in this competition.
A Hibs defence that’s failed to shut-out any of its opponents so far this season will do well to keep the likes of Watkins, Bailey, Luiz, Diaby and of course John McGinn at bay.
“Meatball” is a legend in Leith for his part in the historic Scottish Cup win of 2016 so will be guaranteed a hero’s welcome upon an emotional return but it’ll be down to business for the Villa captain who is 21/10 to score against his former club and 15/2 to open the scoring. On a night when there should be goals that’s not the worst shout.
Hibs will be desperate to keep themselves in the tie. They’re 10/1 to win and it’s 9/2 to finish all-square. Villa will go off around the 3/10 mark.
There’s no doubting there’s a massive gulf in budgets and quality between the squads but nothing raises the standard of Scottish teams like a Battle of Britain.
Hibs can get at Villa and don’t be surprised to see them get on the scoresheet but they’re also vulnerable at the back and could be exposed if they take the game to their opponents. There’ll almost certainly be goals. Over 2.5 is 4/7 and Over 3.5 won’t be far away at 11/8.
Villa to score two or more is 4/11, while three or more is 11/10. It’s hard to find an angle on Villa at short odds but you could back them to be winning at half-time and to score two or more in a 20/23 BetBuilder.
Super Singles
Bonkers Bet
- Hibs 1 Aston Villa 4 16/1 Bet365
Upcoming Match Previews & Tips
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Horse Racing Tips
Courtland was a 2pt winner at 7/2 advised odds on Tuesday. For Day 1 of the York Ebor Festival Rizzel has three fancies.
As ever, please share your tips in for today in the comments section below.
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