- Home form: Hibs have won 4 and lost only 1 of their last 5 home games, conceding just 5 goals.
- Home defence: The home side average 1.00 goals conceded per game at home across their last 5 games.
- Away form: Gent are unbeaten in their last 5 (W3, D2), winning 2 of their last 2 away matches.
Hibs to hurt with quick transition
Hibs are in the middle of a good run coming into Thursday's crucial tie with Gent and David Gray will be happy with his side's overall form since he took the reigns at Easter Road on 15 May 2024. Hibs' 1-0 home win over Partick Thistle was their sixth in a run of 6 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats across all competitions in their last 10.
A 0-0 away draw against Gent in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 last week keeps them in contention ahead of this return leg.
Gent's form in the competition is (1 win, 2 draws), but they have been steady if unspectacular in their recent outings across all competitions (W4, D5, L1). The visitors come into this game after a 1-1 home draw with IFK Goteborg, 2-1 away win at RAAL La Louviere and that 0-0 draw with Hibs.
Rik De Mil took charge on 10 December 2025 and has imposed a more structured identity on the side as they press aggressively and attempt to dictate the tempo with possession.
Gent are the more likely winners
Tactical contrast
This will be a clash of styles, as Hibs are a direct team, playing at a high tempo in their 4-3-3 setup, and they look to transition quickly and press aggressively with their front three. Gent will attempt to control possession and utilise their width and pressing game to press and close down the home team high up the field.
Players to watch
- Owen Elding returned to the Hibs lineup in their 1-0 win over Partick Thistle and looks to be the spark they need up front.
- Elding has scored twice in 5 games in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 and has 3 in Hibs' last 5 overall, so he looks the most likely threat to any of the goals that Hibs create in this contest.
- Hybllarion Goore could be the deciding factor for Gent in this game, as the experienced poacher has 1 in 4 in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 and is a reliable finisher when Gent are closing in on an opportunity.
Don’t bank on the draw
Gent are favourites for this matchup at 2.45 and it's fair to say that Hibs should be underdogs at 2.87, as the draw at 3.4 is still alive and I expect the hosts to be a lot more positive than they were in the first leg.
Both teams to score is the best matchup prediction in the markets at 1.73, while under 2.5 goals at 1.88 also appeals in what could be another cagey battle between these two sides.
