‘Exciting’ striker pick as Emery braves ‘risky’ defensive duo - Aston Villa predicted XI v Hibs - gallery

Here’s how we expect Aston Villa’s heavily rotated lineup to look for the Europa Conference League play-off second leg against Hibernian.

Aston Villa mark their first home European clash in 13 years with what should be a celebratory occasion against Hibernian on Thursday evening.

Welcoming fans to Villa Park for the Europa Conference League play-off second leg, Unai Emery’s side are very comfortable with a 5-0 aggregate lead.

Ollie Watkins claimed the match ball with a hat-trick in the away leg in Edinburgh last Wednesday, while Leon Bailey netted a header and Douglas Luiz converted from the penalty spot.

Now is the time for rotation and experimentation as Emery will be eager to rest a number of key players ahead of an incredibly difficult trip to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

With that in mind, here are the 11 players we think Villa will start against Hibs, as well as brief explanations for each inclusion.

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