Hibs to get upper hand in Europa League first leg
Scotland’s Hibernian got their Europa League qualifying campaign off to a great start defeating Faroe Islands’ side NSI Runavik 12-5 on aggregate. Hibs will face a much tougher test against Greek club Asteras Tripoli in the second qualifying round.
The Greek outfit finished fifth in the Super League last term and make their first appearance in European competition since 2015-16.
Hibs were ruthless in front of goal in the previous qualifying round. Neil Lennon’s team scored six goals in each match against Runavik. It is doubtful Hibs will be able to reach those scoring heights again as Asteras will provide much tougher competition. Lennon should be worried about his defence going into the two-legged series against Asteras. Hibs showed plenty of vulnerability in their second leg match against Runavik. The defence allowed four goals and trailed after the game’s opening six minutes.
Runavik are merely a part-time team and Hibs’ defensive frailties will be punished much more by Asteras. The Greek side improved greatly last season under manager Savvas Pantelidis. The club moved up eight places in the final standings to capture a Europa League spot. Pantelidis’ secret to success was turning the club’s home stadium into a fortress. Asteras won eight of their 12 wins at home. Pantelidis was able to get his players ‘up’ for big home matches as Asteras knocked off champions AEK Athens and second-place finishers PAOK on home turf. Asteras’ main goal threat is Michalis Manias, who struck the back of the net 12 times last term.
Asteras haven’t started the 2018-19 Greek Super League yet. The club hasn’t played a meaningful fixture and are merely in preseason preparation currently. It could play a damaging part in Asteras’ trip to Easter Road on Thursday night. Hibs may have played against a part-time team in the first qualifying round, but they will have better match fitness going into the first leg.
Hibs will be able to find the edge at Easter Road on Thursday night. The team’s defence will hold off the Greeks and squeak through with an advantage. The same may not be true in the second leg. Asteras’ supporters make their home ground an intense stadium to play in. According to former players, the ground is narrow and plays to the tactics of Asteras.
Lennon and Hibs are just six matches away from the Europa League proper. It is an early season marathon and the club will take another step toward the group stage with a win on Thursday.
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