KF Shkendija vs Hibernian Predictions
Hibernian travel to North Macedonia with a narrow advantage after last week’s 2-1 first-leg victory at Easter Road.
Both teams carry plenty of attacking threat, and another entertaining contest is expected in Skopje.
I have my stake on BTTS, with three goals or more also expected, while I also fancy the hosts to win in 90 minutes.
Goals Tipped in Skopje
- KF Shkendija scored 1+ goals in 9 of their last 11 home matches (European competitions)
- KF Shkendija have seen over 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 8 matches
- KF Shkendija won 5 of their last 7 home matches (European competitions)
- Hibernian have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 10 matches
- Hibernian lost 6 of their last 11 matches (European competitions)
Hibernian Win First-Ever Meeting
Hibernian and KF Shkendija met for the first time in last week’s Conference League third qualifying-round first leg. The Scots emerged with a 2-1 first-leg lead.
KF Shkendija Remain in Contention
KF Shkendija return to Skopje with their hopes of reaching the Conference League play-offs still alive.
Artim Pollozhani’s side performed well in Scotland, with Marko Gjorgjievski’s late second-half goal seemingly enough to secure a draw before Warren O’Hara’s 90th-minute winner.
KF bounced back to winning form with a fine 2-0 win against Vardar in the 1. MFL last weekend. Fabrice Tamba scored twice in the second period to secure three points on the road.
The North Macedonians have made a strong start to their season and have already come through two rounds of Conference League qualification. Shkendija claimed a 6-0 aggregate win against Europa before a 4-2 success against Bravo.
Past performances in this competition should also give the hosts confidence on Thursday. Pollozhani’s side reached the group stage of the Conference League last season, eventually finishing 22nd out of 36 teams.
Hibernian Claim Ibrox Victory
Hibernian travel to Skopje in high spirits after securing a dramatic 2-1 Premiership victory against Rangers at Ibrox.
Josh Campbell converted a first-half penalty, and while the Gers levelled in the second half, Callum Wright’s stoppage-time strike secured back-to-back wins for David Gray’s side.
The Hibees were outshot 27-8 at Ibrox, and despite some relentless home pressure, held on for a third win at Ibrox in as many seasons.
Hibs began their Premiership season with a narrow 2-1 home defeat against Motherwell before responding with those back-to-back 2-1 victories against KF Shkendija and Rangers.
Gray’s men must now avoid defeat to secure their place in the Conference League play-offs.
Defensive vulnerabilities make that much more than a formality. The Edinburgh side conceded at least one goal in each of their last 11 matches since the end of last season.
KF Shkendija vs Hibernian Team News
KF 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.
Pollozhani could retain the majority of the team that started last week’s narrow defeat in Edinburgh.
Fahd Ndzengue is expected to lead the attack, while first-leg goalscorer Marko Gjorgjievski is in contention for a place in the first XI.
Hibernian: (3-4-3) Raphael Sallinger; Warren O’Hora, Jason Kerr, Jack Iredale; Felix Passlack, Josh Mulligan, Miguel Chaiwa, Jordan Obita; Martin Boyle, Nathan Lowe, Owen Elding.
Hibs boss Gray is expected to recall several regular starters after rotating his team for Sunday’s victory at Rangers. Warren O’Hora should return to the defence after scoring in last week’s first-leg victory.
Owen Elding is likely to lead the attack while Callum Wright is pushing for a recall after his stoppage-time winner at Ibrox.
Jamie McGrath and Nicky Cadden remain sidelined with calf injuries, while Rocky Bushiri is unavailable with an Achilles tendon problem.
"Rangers put us under severe pressure for the second half; the character was really tested, but we made an attacking substitution to try and have that mentality of not just sitting in even with the Rangers pressure.
"(The winning goal) was a brilliant moment. I'm delighted for the players because we made a lot of changes and the players that came in did really well; it builds that character."