Hibs' potential Aston Villa Euro showdown will have them flying, warns Well boss

Stuart Kettlewell warns his side could be facing a Hibs side on Sunday that are absolutely flying, as they head into a potential Euro showdown against Aston Villa.

Lee Johnson’s side are in pole position in their Europa Conference League third qualifying round tie, with a 3-1 lead over Luzern, heading into the second leg in Switzerland next week.

Before that, they travel to Fir Park on Sunday, and Kettlewell warns that they will need to be on their best against a side who will clash against the English giants, should they stay ahead in that tie.

He said: “If Hibs can get through that tie, there’s a massive carrot dangled at the other end of it.

“There are a number of proper first-team players sitting on their bench that will want to take their opportunity if they get it on Sunday, so sometimes that can elevate the energy levels, the quality, whatever.

“There are so many different ways to look at it – can fatigue kick in, that hangover of a good result, who knows.

“I just think we have to be our best version, concentrate on ourselves, and make sure our players know what they might potentially face.

“If we’re at our best we’ll give ourselves a chance in the game, it’s as simple as that.”

Kettlewell says Hibs playing on the Thursday won’t give Motherwell an advantage, having had a free kick, but they will look to see how they can win the game.

He said: “We are dealt that other situation where we’re not in Europe and we have that week to prepare for the game, so we have to make use of it as best we possibly can.

“The other thing it throws up as well is a bit of uncertainty, and there’s the opportunity for Hibs to play a different way.

“It was very evident that Hibs were playing a 4-4-2 system, two out-and-out strikers, two