- Bookmakers' odds: The bookmakers' odds are very close with Hibernian FC 1.52, FK Shkendija 79 6.4 and the Draw 3.9.
- Recent form: Hibernian have won three and lost two of their last five games in all competitions (W3, D0, L2), but recovered well after two defeats with a 4-1 win over FC Malisheva in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 on their home turf.
Hibs have just enough to see off Shkendija
Hibernian FC come into their UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 tie with FK Shkendija 79 as the betting favorite and with the home advantage, but it will be a close game for both sides. The Scots have won five and lost five of their last ten in all competitions, which shows a up-and-down run of results. David Gray has a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1 formation at his disposal, with the wing-backs to provide the width and a structure-first approach.
Shkendija will be tough to crack as they are well-drilled by Artim Polozani to play on the front foot, press hard and win the ball high up the pitch, hoping to counterattack quickly. Almir Kryeziu is their top scorer in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 with two in four, but they have a few other dangerous players who can score on a given day.
Gray’s side have enough to nick it
Form and records
Shkendija will arrive in Scotland with a great run going, having won four of their last five and two on the bounce. Their away record across all competitions is W2, D1, L2 over their last five, so they won't be daunted by the trip.
Key players and concerns
- Hibs' home record is W2, L3 over their last five across all competitions, so they haven't been a strong team at Easter Road recently.
- Gray's men have enough quality in wide areas and up top to nick this, with Nathan Lowe the most in-form player, scoring three of Hibs' nine goals across the last five.
- Felix Passlack is Hibernian's leading threat in this competition, but he has managed just one in two appearances.
- Hibernian have conceded seven goals in five at home across all competitions, which is something the defence will want to improve on.
Shkendija are good travellers
Backing the draw or Shkendija in the Double Chance market looks worth a small wager as the main selection, as the visitors average 2.20 scored and 1.40 conceded on their travels. A cagey game is expected, with Under 2.5 goals and BTTS: No both looking too narrow in the odds at 1.82 and 1.72, respectively, although both are a possibility.
