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Hibernian will host North Macedonian side KF Shkendija at Easter Road on Thursday in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round.
The Scottish outfit are seeking to establish a commanding home advantage heading into the second-leg clash.
The visitors, on the other hand, will aim to maintain their good European qualifying run, with the hopes of making it to the league phase.
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. Shkendija key stats
- Hibernian have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 12 games across all competitions.
- Shkendija have scored at least a goal in their last four Conference League qualifiers.
- Shkendija have only won one of their last four competitive away games across all competitions.
Hibernian vs. Shkendija preview: Scottish side aim for first-leg advantage
Hibernian vs. Shkendija — Tale of the Tape
| Hibernian | vs | Shkendija |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | Position | 3rd |
| 0 | Points | 3 |
| 1 | Goals For | 3 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 0 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 11th/6th | Home / Away Rank | 3rd/3rd |
Hibernian booked their place in Europe after Celtic's Scottish Cup success handed David Gray's side a Conference League qualifying berth.
Their continental campaign began in difficult fashion, as they were stunned 2-0 by FC Malisheva in the first leg.
Hibernian have scored and also conceded in four of their last five games across all competitions.
However, they bounced back with an impressive 4-1 victory at home to turn the tie around in the return leg and go through to the next round with a 4-3 aggregate.
That comeback, however, was followed by a disappointing performance in their Scottish Premiership opener.
Hibernian were beaten on their home soil, 2-1 by Motherwell after conceding a late winner from Ibrahim Said.
Gray’s team will now be eager to see his players regain momentum as they chase their first appearance in the main stage of a UEFA competition since the 2005-06 UEFA Cup.
Shkendija head into the contest in good form after making an impressive start to the new season.
Artim Polozani's side quickly found their rhythm in competitive action, cruising past Europa FC with a 6-0 aggregate victory in the opening qualifying round.
The North Macedonian champions then showed their resilience in the second round, qualifying for the third round 4-3 on aggregate against NK Bravo.
Hibernian have scored two or more goals in three of their last five games in all competitions.
They also began their domestic league campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Skopje in the league season-opening game.
Having qualified for the third round, Shkendija will be determined to leave Edinburgh with an advantage before next week's return leg, as they pursue a second consecutive appearance in the league phase of the Conference League.
Hibernian vs. Shkendija form guide & betting tips
| Hibernian | vs | Shkendija |
|---|---|---|
WWLWL |
Form | WWLWW |
| 12 | Goals For | 13 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 3 |
LW |
Conference League qualification | WWLW |
Whispers predicts: Hibernian 2-1 Shkendija
Hibernian are a better side compared to their North Macedonian opponents, which gives them a slight advantage in this encounter.
The hosts also have the home advantage in their favour and will look to do the same thing they did at home against Malisheva.
While KF Shkendija have demonstrated impressive scoring touch in earlier qualifying rounds, they will also put up a fight against the Scottish side.
They are currently in good form across all competitions, winning four of their last five games, which can boost their confidence for this first leg.
The bookmakers have made Hibernian the favourites at 10/21 (1.48) odds to secure victory, while a draw is currently valued at 10/3 (4.33).
An away victory for Shkendija is priced at 11/2 (6.50) odds, highlighting their status as major underdogs on Scottish soil.
The market for the home team to win and over 2.5 goals is set at 13/10 (2.30), and both teams to score (yes) is valued at 21/20 (2.05).
Furthermore, Hibernian total goals (over 1.5) are offered at 8/13 (1.62) odds, which means they have a good chance of scoring two goals.
> Home to win at 10/21 (1.48) | Likelihood: Possible
> Both teams to score – Yes at 21/20 (2.05) | Likelihood: Probable
> Home team to win and over 2.5 goals at 13/10 (2.30) | Likelihood: Probable
> Hibernian total goals (over 1.5) at 8/13 (1.62) | Likelihood: Possible