Hibernian vs FC Malisheva Predictions & Tips - Hibs Backed to Respond in Conference League Contest
Hibernian face a challenging task at Easter Road as they seek to overturn a 2-0 first-leg defeat to FC Malisheva in the Conference League second qualifying round. Despite their poor showing in Kosovo, the Scottish side is backed to respond, having scored two or more goals in four of their last seven matches. Malisheva, aiming for a historic qualification, have struggled in European away matches. Expect changes in both lineups, with Hibernian tipped to win a high-scoring second leg, though qualification remains in the balance.
- Hibernian host FC Malisheva at Easter Road on Thursday
- Home win/Over 2.5 goals backed in Thursday’s Conference League qualifier
- Get our Hibernian vs FC Malisheva tips in the Conference League
- Hibernian vs FC Malisheva Predictions
- Hibs Backed to Respond
- Malisheva Claim Victory in First Meeting With Hibs
- Hibernian Stunned in Kosovo
- Malisheva Eye Famous Qualification
- Hibernian vs FC Malisheva Team News
Hibernian vs FC Malisheva Predictions
Hibernian welcome FC Malisheva to Easter Road for the second leg of their Conference League second qualifying-round tie on Thursday.
David Gray’s side have a mountain to climb after suffering a disastrous 2-0 defeat in Kosovo last week.
With the hosts expected to chase the game, I fancy a home win and at least three goals scored.
Hibs Backed to Respond
- Hibernian have won 3 of their last 4 home matches
- Hibernian have seen over 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 9 matches
- FC Malisheva have seen over 2.5 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches
- FC Malisheva lost their last 3 away matches (European competitions)
Malisheva Claim Victory in First Meeting With Hibs
Last week’s Conference League qualification contest was the first competitive meeting between FC Malisheva and Hibernian. The Kosovans secured a shock 2-0 victory at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri.
Hibernian Stunned in Kosovo
Hibernian return to Edinburgh under enormous pressure after producing a dismal first-leg performance in Pristina.
The Scottish side entered the tie as strong favourites but struggled to impose themselves in challenging conditions in Kosovo.
David Gray’s men did create chances, with Owen Elding, Nathan Lowe and Miguel Chaiwa failing to convert promising opportunities.
While staring down the barrel of a shock first-round exit, the Scots will still believe they can overcome a two-goal deficit. Hibernian scored two goals or more in four of their last seven matches.
A strong pre-season also saw Hibs claim a 2-1 victory against Brondby and earn a 1-1 draw in a closed-door contest against Portuguese heavyweights Porto.
Malisheva Eye Famous Qualification
FC Malisheva make the trip to Edinburgh within touching distance of one of the biggest results in their short history.
Thomas Brdaric’s side secured a deserved win in Kosovo, with goals from Kreshnik Uka and Valjmir Nafiu sealing a 2-0 first-leg victory.
The Kosovans secured their place in the second round with a convincing 6-2 aggregate victory against Vllaznia in the opening round.
Malisheva suffered a 2-1 first-leg defeat before responding with a stunning 5-0 victory in the return fixture.
Competing in European competition for only the third time in their history, Malisheva are bidding to reach the third qualifying round of a continental tournament for the first time.
Their previous performances on the road in Europe have been less impressive, though.
The Kosovans lost all three of their previous away legs, including an 8-0 defeat against Vikingur Reykjavik in the first round of Conference League qualifying last season.
Hibernian vs FC Malisheva Team News
Hibernian: (4-3-3) Raphael Sallinger; Felix Passlack, Warren O'Hora, Grant Hanley, Adam Mayor; Azeem Abdulai, Miguel Chaiwa, Jordan Obita; Owen Elding, Nathan Lowe, Martin Boyle.
Gray is expected to make changes following last week’s damaging defeat in Kosovo.
Adam Mayor, Joe Newell, Thibault Klidje and Azeem Abdulai are among those pushing for recalls after appearing from the bench in Kosovo.
Gray offered no excuses for the first-leg defeat, admitting his side fell well short of the standards set in pre-season.
“On the day, we were nowhere near the levels we’ve set that I saw in pre-season,” he said.
“We’ve got some new additions, but every single one of us was nowhere near where we needed to be.
“When that’s the level of performance, the frustration is clearly there. The players are determined to put that right, as am I, and we’re working hard to make sure we do that.
“But when that level of performance comes, it’s very hard to win any game of football at any level, so we know where we need to improve.”
Malisheva: (3-5-2) Ilir Avdyli; Keslin Shani, Dreni Kryeziu, Andreas Skovgaard; Vusal Isgandarli, Donart Vitija, Besnik Ferati, Kreshnik Uka, Arlind Veliu; Dzemal Ibishi, Laurent Xhylani.
Brdaric could retain much of the lineup that secured last week’s memorable victory.
Uka should continue in attack after opening the scoring in Pristina.
Valjmir Nafiu is pushing for a starting position after stepping off the bench to add a second in last Thursday’s first-leg clash.
Verdict
Hibernian were dreadful in Kosovo, but they boast enough quality to produce a convincing response at Easter Road.
The Scots may still face a difficult battle to qualify, but they should be backed to win an entertaining second leg.
I have my money on Hibernian to win with at least three match goals.
The Scots may still face a difficult battle to qualify, but they should be backed to win an entertaining second leg.
I have my money on Hibernian to win with at least three match goals.
Hibernian/Over 2.5
Result/Total Goals
@3/4 - 4 Units
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