- Recent form: Hibernian have won 3 and lost 2 of their last 5 matches.
- Form: Shkendija have won 3 and lost 2 of their last 5.
- Odds: The draw is 3.53, with Hibernian 2.44 and Shkendija 2.87.
Hibs have a narrow edge
Match outlook
Hibernian FC are the slight favorites for Thursday's UEFA Conference League Qualification clash between FK Shkendija 79 at Todor Proeski Arena in North Macedonia, but the draw and both teams to score appear better options.
Shkendija profile
- Shkendija are no strangers to European competition, having reached the group stages of the UEFA Europa League once and played in the Conference League qualifiers for three years in a row.
- Artim Polozani has been at the helm since 1 July 2026 and his side appear to be built around the 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formations, although they can play compact to defend or open it up to press and counter-attack.
- Almir Kryeziu, who has two goals in the UEFA Conference League Qualification campaign, is their main outlet in the game.
Side with Hibs in close matchup
David Gray has been in charge of Hibernian since 15 May 2024 and the club seem to be able to shape-shift between a back four and a wing-back system depending on the opposition. Hibs' set-up gives them a pragmatic feel, as they press to trigger moves and exploit opponents on the counter with good pace.
Hibs are favored at 2.44 for this game against Shkendija, who are 2.87 with the draw at 3.53. We're siding with Hibernian here and think a straight bet on the Scots is enough, but the odds suggest this should be a close encounter rather than a walkover.
Scots have an edge
The first punch has landed in what looks like a European struggle between two sides with plenty to prove in 2026. Hibernian are the side more likely to come through with a win, but there's too much between these two to go all-in on the other side.
Shkendija arrive after a 3-0 win over FK Vardar Skopje, which followed a 3-1 victory over NK Bravo. They lost 2-1 to Hibs in last week's first leg and are averaging 2.00 goals scored and 1.30 conceded per match in all competitions.
The Hibs are coming off a 4-1 victory over FC Malisheva, which followed a 2-1 loss to Motherwell and the first-leg win over Shkendija. Hibs have shipped 1.20 per game in their last 10 games in all competitions, so this shouldn't be a high-scoring affair.
Hibs have edge in goals market
Owen Elding is Hibs' sharpest finisher in UEFA Conference League Qualification with 2 goals in 3 matches, but the game should be a scrappy affair. Under 2.5 goals is 1.93 and Both Teams To Score – Yes is 1.65, both of which seem good bets for a European game where the side can hold their own, but Hibs have that extra bit of quality in the attacking third.
