Hibernian vs Aston Villa – Wednesday
Hibernian have confirmed that the first leg of the Europa Conference League play-off against Aston Villa at Easter Road, will switch to a new time of 5.45pm on Wednesday 23 August, 2023.
The game was originally scheduled for the traditional Thursday night slot of the Europa Conference League, but due to Heart’s progressing into the play-off round, forced the change. When two sides from the same city both progress – and have both been drawn at home in the first leg – UEFA use the previous season’s league table to decide who plays on the Thursday.
So, in this case, Hearts will play in Edinburgh on Thursday night.
Reason for the 5.45pm Time
UEFA do not allow UEFA Europa Conference League games to take place at the same time as UEFA Champions League games. So the game will kick-off at, which the latest kick-off time the Club could attain according to UEFA regulations.
At least for Villa it will be good practice for future Wednesday night’s in the Champions League.
The second leg at Villa Park will take place a week later at the pre-planned time of Thursday 31 August, 2023 and kick-off at 8pm.
