Hibernian vs Aston Villa LIVE commentary: Unai Emery’s side set for first European clash in 13 years – kick-off time, team news and how to follow

Aston Villa will play their first European game for over a decade when they face Hibernian in their Europa Conference League play-off clash this evening.

The Villans have not played in a continental competition since 2010 when they were knocked out of the Europa League under caretaker boss Kevin McDonald. 

Villa are looking to secure their place in the Conference League group stagesGetty

But they now return under Unai Emery and are one step away from reaching the group stages of UEFA’s Conference League.

Emery’s side take on Scottish outfit Hibernian in the play-off round, with the tie to be played over two legs to determine who reaches the main competition. 

Hibernian vs Aston Villa: talkSPORT coverage 

This Europa Conference League play-off first leg will be played on Wednesday, August 23. 

Kick-off at Easter Road is scheduled for 5:45pm. 

talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage of the game. 

Commentary will come from Mark Wilson and Chris Iwelumo. 

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Lee Johnson’s Hibs face a tough task against Premier League opposition

Hibernian vs Aston Villa: Teams

Hibernian: Marshall, Miller, C Hanlon (C), Fish, Youan, Vente, Boyle, Newell, Stevenson, Obita, Campbell

Subs: Boruc, Doyle-Hayes, Jeggo, Le Fondre, Doidge, Harbottle, Delferriere, Bushiri, Molotnikov, McAllister, Megwa, J. MacIntyre

Aston Villa: Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Kamara, Luiz, Bailey, Diaby, McGinn (C), Watkins

Subs: Olsen, Marschall, Feeney, Revan, Cash, Chambers, Tielemans, Traore, Duran

McGinn made over 100 appearances for Hibernian before joining VillaGetty

Hibernian vs Aston Villa: What has been said? 

Hibs manager Lee Johnson is expecting ‘one of the most difficult’ games of the season as his side faces Villa. 

He said: “We want to make an impact on the cups. I’ve been lucky to win this competition as a player so I know it’s big. 

“We want to keep building the club, that’s the key. The squad is going to be really important. There’s no starting XI. Everyone has to play their part.

“We will need our fans on side. The positivity over the European games has transcended into the lads’ performances. 

“Now we need them to give us that extra yard through their voice in a game we’re expected to win – but it’s one of the most difficult of the season for that reason.”