Hibernian v Luzern Preview with Peter Martin 📺

Hibernian v Luzern Preview. Peter Martin previews tonight’s UEFA Europa Conference League 3rd round qualifier at Easter Road.

At Easter Road, Edinburgh’s Hibernian team stands on the brink of a tantalizing showdown with English Premier League powerhouse, Aston Villa. However, before dreams of clashing with Villa materialize, the Scots must conquer a formidable Swiss obstacle: Luzern.

For the Hibernian faithful, the prospect of squaring off against one of England’s top-tier clubs and potentially reuniting with their 2016 Scottish Cup champion, John McGinn, holds immense allure. The anticipation is palpable for not just the fans, but also for the team and its skipper, Lee Johnson.

Yet, the journey to Aston Villa begins with Luzern, a team that Johnson acknowledges as their most challenging competition to date. Considering Hibernian’s recent hiccups, including unexpected losses to Inter Club d’Escaldes and a league kick-off stumble against St Mirren, they’re tasked with significantly upping their game this Thursday at Easter Road.

While a number of tickets remained unsold a day before the game, revealing some scepticism from their supporters, the real query lingers: Will Hibernian rise to the occasion?

Luzern’s Midfield: A Force to Reckon With

European accolades might not be Luzern’s forte, given their past struggles in continental competitions. Their historical challenges, however, shouldn’t overshadow their current strengths. Securing a commendable fourth place in the Swiss Super League, Luzern boasts a reservoir of talent, particularly dominant in the midfield—a zone where Hibernian seemed vulnerable in their recent clash against St Mirren.

The young midfield maestro, Ardon Jashari, previously linked with a high-profile move to Celtic and touted for a switch to top European clubs, embodies this strength. And while there’s been some friction surrounding his potential transfer, indications from the weekend’s lineup against St Gallen suggest he’s set to make an appearance.

Supporting Jashari are talents like Nicky Beloko, an ex-Fiorentina prodigy, and seasoned leader Max Meyer. Meyer, enriched by his stints in the Premier League and Champions League with teams like Crystal Palace and Schalke, is known for his exceptional ball skills and an eye for goal, having recorded a solid tally last season.

Factor in reliable players like centre-back Marcos Burch and towering striker Kemal Ademi, and it becomes clear why Luzern confidently bested Sweden’s Djurgardens last season. Their ability to secure a win in Stockholm and then hold their ground at home underlines their potential threat in Edinburgh.

The helm of Luzern, Mario Frick, isn’t unfamiliar with Scottish soil. Memories of his personal triumph at Hampden in 2010, scoring for Liechtenstein, still linger. However, this Luzern side isn’t just about underdog tales. Despite a somewhat tepid start to their league campaign, they present a vibrant and youthful challenge.

For Hibernian, the stakes couldn’t be clearer: deliver their best on the pitch or risk their European dreams getting quashed even before touching Swiss ground.

#Hibernian #Luzern #UECL