Hibernian vs Shkendija Predictions
Hibernian take on Shkendija in the first leg of their Conference League third qualifying-round tie.
David Gray’s side produced a superb comeback in their previous European home fixture and should prove too strong for the North Macedonian visitors.
I have my stake on Hibernian to win, with at least three goals expected.
Hibs Backed at Easter Road
- Hibernian won 3 of their last 5 matches
- Hibernian have seen over 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 8 matches (competitive fixtures)
- Shkendija have seen over 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 10 matches
- Shkendija lost 7 of their last 8 away matches (European fixtures)
Hibernian and Shkendija Set For First Competitive Meeting
Hibernian and Shkendija will meet for the first time on Thursday.
Hibernian Suffer Opening Day Defeat in Premiership
Hibernian return to European action after a disappointing 2-1 home defeat against Motherwell in their Premiership opener on Sunday. The visitors took a first-half lead before Martin Boyle levelled matters with a penalty before half-time.
Hibs were unable to build on their equaliser, though, with Ibrahim Said scoring Motherwell’s late winner at Easter Road.
Gray’s side produced a much stronger performance in their previous home fixture, beating Malisheva 4-1 to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit.
Owen Elding, Felix Passlack, Nathan Lowe and Boyle were on target as Hibs secured a 4-3 aggregate victory in the Conference League second round qualifiers.
The Edinburgh side are usually a good choice for goal backers. An average of over three goals per game was scored in their eight most recent fixtures.
The Scots' recent European record also points towards a high-scoring outcome this week. Hibernian have seen an average of 3.92 goals per game scored in their last 24 continental fixtures since 2018.
Eighteen of those 24 games finished with at least three goals scored.
Shkendija Complete Comeback
Shkendija travel to Edinburgh after a hard-fought win against Slovenian side NK Bravo in the Conference League second qualifying round.
The North Macedonians suffered a 2-1 first-leg defeat but responded well in the second leg with a 3-1 victory in Skopje. Marko Gjorgjievski’s 88th-minute goal settled the tie in favour of Artim Polozani’s side.
Shkendija made easier work of their opening qualifying round tie, with a 6-0 aggregate victory against Europa FC last month.
Like the Scots, KF have been involved in several high-scoring encounters this year. An average of 3.1 goals per game were scored in their last ten fixtures. Eight of those games finished with three or more goals scored.
A poor continental record on their travels should be noted, with the North Macedonian’s winning only two of 13 away European ties since 2022.
Hibernian vs Shkendija Team News
Hibernian: (3-4-3) Raphael Sallinger; Warren O’Hora, Jason Kerr, Jordan Obita; Felix Passlack, Azeem Abdulai, Josh Mulligan, Adam Mayor; Martin Boyle, Nathan Lowe, Owen Elding.
Gray is expected to stick with the majority of the team that started the 4-1 victory against Malisheva.
Miguel Chaiwa is doubtful after being forced off with an injury against Motherwell. Jack Iredale is a confirmed injury absentee while Alasana Manneh is ineligible.
Nathan Lowe and Owen Elding should continue to lead the attack, with captain Martin Boyle offering support from the right.
Speaking to Hibs TV after the match, Gray shared his frustration on the 90 minutes.
“I think the immediate feeling is real disappointment and frustration because of the manner in which we ended up losing the game. I believe, especially with the way the second half went, we should have come away with three points. If not three points, then at least a point.
“The goal we conceded sums it up. It was real naivety, and that’s what cost us the game.
“Even in the first half, giving away the penalty was poor. Looking at the balance of play, I thought we had the better moments in the first half without creating any real clear-cut chances."
Shkendija: (4-2-3-1) Astrit Amzai; Aleksander Trumci, Drilon Islami, Anes Meljichi, Bojan Dimoski; Arbin Zejnullai, Rafael Freitas; Fabrice Tamba, Sebastjan Spahiu, Almir Kryeziu; Fahd Ndzengue.
Shkendija are expected to retain much of the side that started their second-leg victory against NK Bravo.
Almir Kryeziu should continue in an attacking midfield role after scoring last week, while Marko Gjorgjievski is pushing for a start after finding the net as a second-half substitute.