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Hibernian will take on Malisheva at Easter Road on Thursday, 30 July, with the hosts looking to overturn a two-goal deficit to progress through to the third round of Europa Conference League qualifying.
The Scottish side were stunned by their Kosovan opponents last week, but are still in the tie, particularly now that they can play in front of their home crowd in Edinburgh.
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.
Hibernian vs Malisheva key stats
- Hibernian have won both of their previous Europa Conference League second round qualifying matches at home.
- Malisheva have never won an away match in a European competition.
- More than two goals have been scored in five of Malisheva's last six matches in all competitions.
Hibernian vs Malisheva preview: Hosts to turn the tie around
Hibernian vs Malisheva — Tale of the Tape
| Hibernian | vs | Malisheva |
|---|---|---|
| 5th (2025-26 Scottish Premiership) | Position | 2nd(2025-26 Football Superleague of Kosovo) |
| 57 | Points | 59 |
| 58 | Goals For | 58 |
| 44 | Goals Against | 50 |
| 11 | Clean Sheets | 12 |
| 4th | Home / Away Rank | 5th |
Hibernian will feel confident about their chances of turning this tie around, but they will need to be better at both ends of the pitch if they are to enjoy a memorable night at Easter Road.
In last week's first leg, Hibs failed to score despite having more of the ball (57%) and nine shots (just one fewer than Malisheva). At the back, they need to find a way to stop Malisheva having shots on goal, as last week they conceded a massive nine shots on target.
While they should improve at home, they do need to be wary of the attacking threat that Malisheva possess. Not only did they score twice last week, but they scored six goals across their two legs against Vllaznia in the first round of qualifying.
Hibs boss David Gray could ring the changes after last week's disappointing display, with Joe Newell and Adam both pushing for a start. Rocky Bushiri remains out with an Achilles tendon injury.
As for Malisheva, this is an opportunity they were unlikely to have expected when they started their European campaign this season.
The Kosovan side had never won a European tie before this season, so they have already made history, which perhaps relaxed them ahead of the first leg last week.
After recording nine shots on target in the first leg, there will perhaps even be a feeling that they could be more than two goals ahead of Hibs coming into the second leg, and they now face a dilemma over how they approach this one.
Thomas Brdaric could bring in an extra defensive player, but there will also be a temptation to go with the exact same starting XI and attempt to kill the tie.
Hibernian vs Malisheva form guide & betting tips
| Hibernian | vs | Malisheva |
|---|---|---|
L
L
W
W
L
|
Form |
L
W
L
W
W
|
| 9 | Goals For | 17 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 8 |
L |
Europa Conference League | LWW |
Whispers predicts: Hibernian 3-0 Malisheva
Malisheva's dismal away record in Europe combined with Hib's home record at this stage of the competition leans us towards the big comeback win. Hibernian to win the tie has been priced at 4/5.
The game state dictates how Hibernian have to approach this one, which should mean there will be plenty of chances at both ends. Over 2.5 goals has been priced at 10/21.
Nathan Lowe has scored two goals in pre-season for Hibs. Lowe is priced at 2/1 to score anytime on Thursday.
> Hibernian to qualify at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 2.5 goals at 10/21 (1.48) | Likelihood: Probable
> Nathan Lowe to score anytime at 2/1 (3.00) | Likelihood: Possible