FC Malisheva vs Hibernian Predictions
Hibernian begin their Conference League campaign with a potentially tricky trip to face FC Malisheva in Kosovo.
The hosts produced a superb attacking display in the previous qualifying round, while Hibs now face their first competitive fixture of the season.
With Malisheva in possession of a strong home record, I fancy the hosts to avoid defeat while I also expect BTTS to land.
Hosts Tough to Beat
- FC Malisheva won their last 6 home matches
- Hibernian have seen BTTS in 6 of their last 8 matches
- Hibernian have seen BTTS in 6 of their last 8 away matches (European competitions)
- Hibernian failed to win 6 of their last 7 away matches (European competitions)
FC Malisheva and Hibernian Face First-Ever Encounter
FC Malisheva and Hibernian will meet for the first time in Thursday’s Conference League qualifier.
FC Malisheva Carry Attacking Threat
FC Malisheva come into Thursday's first leg in confident mood after a comprehensive 5-0 win against Vllaznia last week.
Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Albania, the Kosovans produced a remarkable second-leg display with Kreshnik Uka bagging twice for the home side.
Dzemal Ibishi, Arlind Veliu and Krenar Dulaj were also on target as Thomas Brdaric’s side overwhelmed their Albanian opponents.
Founded only in 2016, the Kosovan side are relative newcomers to European football, but their latest performance should give them plenty of optimism against more experienced opponents.
Malisheva will hope to improve on last season’s failure to qualify for the Conference League. The Kosovans suffered a humbling 8-0 road defeat against Vikingur Reykjavik in the first qualifying round.
Hibernian Gear Up for European Return
Hibernian travel to Kosovo after completing their pre-season programme with an encouraging 2-1 victory against Brondby at Easter Road.
Summer signing Nathan Lowe scored twice as David Gray's side secured a confidence-boosting win against their Danish visitors.
The Hibees have enjoyed a decent pre-season campaign. The Premiership side recorded a 5-1 victory against Cliftonville before a creditable 1-1 draw against Porto in a closed-door friendly fixture.
Competing in the Conference League qualifiers for the third time in five seasons, Hibs reached the playoff round last season following dramatic qualifying victories against Midtjylland and Partizan Belgrade before eventually losing to Legia Warsaw.
A lack of clean sheets has been an issue for the Scots in the past year. Hibernian conceded at least one goal in each of their last nine games, and in 17 of 21 games played since January.
FC Malisheva vs Hibernian Team News
FC Malisheva: (4-3-3) Ilir Avdyli; Arber Pira, Dreni Kryeziu, Keslin Shani, Arlind Veliu; Laurent Xhylani, Donart Vitija, Besnik Ferati; Vusal Isgandarli, Dzemal Ibishi, Kreshnik Uka.
Malisheva head coach Brdaric is likely to name the same side that produced an emphatic 5-0 victory against Vllaznia.
Kreshnik Uka should retain his place after scoring twice in that victory, while Dzemal Ibishi and Krenar Dulaj are also likely to feature in the home attack.
Hibernian: (3-4-1-2) Raphael Sallinger; Warren O'Hora, Grant Hanley, Jordan Obita; Felix Passlack, Josh Mulligan, Miguel Chaiwa, Adam Mayor; Callum Wright; Nathan Lowe, Martin Boyle.
Hibernian boss David Gray is expected to retain confidence in much of the same selection that started against Brondby last weekend.
Nathan Lowe is pushing for a starting place after his match-winning brace, while Martin Boyle, Jamie McGrath and Josh Campbell are also expected to feature.
Gray expects a difficult test as Hibernian begin their European campaign this week. Heat, travel and unfamiliar surroundings will provide a very different challenge, and Gray knows his side must manage the tie carefully.
“Well, we're expecting a real difficult test. Obviously you've got the heat, the travel, a different sort of place to go and play, not something we've experienced as you would domestically.
“I've watched both legs. I thought Malisheva deserved to go through over the course of the two legs, so it will be a difficult challenge. But that's what European football is all about."
"The players are looking forward to it now; that's what all pre-season is being aimed towards, is to make sure the boys are as fit and strong as they can be.”