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Gent will take on Hibernian on Thursday, 20 August, in the first leg of their Europa Conference League playoff tie.
Hibs are one of four Scottish sides involved in the Conference League this week, and after successfully navigating two rounds of qualifying already, they will be more determined than ever to make it to the league phase of the competition.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Gent vs Hibernian key stats
- Hibernian have failed to win either of their Conference League away matches this season.
- Gent are unbeaten across their six competitive matches this season.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in each of Gent's four Conference League matches this season.
Gent vs Hibernian preview: Hosts to come out on top
Gent vs Hibernian — Tale of the Tape
| Gent | vs | Hibernian |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd(Belgian Pro League) | Position | 7th (Scottish Premiership) |
| 6 | Points | 3 |
| 4 | Goals For | 3 |
| 1 | Goals Against | 3 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 3rd | Home / Away Rank | 3rd |
After finishing fifth in the Belgian Pro League last season, Gent are looking for more this season both domestically and in Europe.
Last season was a rare one without European football for the Belgian side, after reaching the group/league phase of either the Europa or Europa Conference League in the previous six campaigns.
So far, so good in 26/27. They boast a 100% record in the Belgian Pro League after two matches and have successfully navigated four Conference League qualifying matches without losing a single one.
Manager Rik De Mil, who has been in charge since December 2005, will select his strongest possible XI on Thursday night, but he will be unable to call upon Matisse Samoise or Abdul Ayinde due to ongoing injury issues.
As for Hibernian, they too have made a strong start to their season, which suggests playing in European qualifiers prior to a domestic campaign is the perfect preparation.
Like Gent, Hibs have made it through two rounds (four matches) of Conference League qualifying, but unlike their Belgian opponents, they have tasted defeat. In fact, they failed to win either away leg, so they will be delighted that the second leg of the playoff is back home in Edinburgh.
The goal for David Gray and his team on Thursday night is to walk away from Belgium with a result that leaves them with a decent chance of qualifying back at Easter Road. As such, a draw would be welcomed with open arms, while a one-goal defeat also wouldn't be the end of the world.
Gray has just one injury absentee, Rocky Bushiri, who is pushing to be ready for the return leg next week.
| Gent | vs | Hibernian |
|---|---|---|
W
W
W
D
W
|
Form |
L
W
W
D
W
|
| 6 | Goals For | 6 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 4 |
DWD |
Conference League | WWD |
Whispers predicts: Gent 2-0 Hibernian
Gent have been the more impressive of the two teams this season, and Hibs' away form is a concern. A home win has been best priced at 3/5.
Fewer than three goals have been scored in five of the six competitive matches Gent have played this season. Under 2.5 goals has been priced at 4/5.
There have been 31 corners taken across Gent's four European matches this season. Under 8.5 corners has been priced at 6/5.
> Gent to win at 3/5 (1.60) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 8.5 corners at 6/5 (2.20) | Likelihood: Possible