- Hibernian FC have won 2 and lost 3 of their last 5 matches (W2, D0, L3).
- FC Malisheva have won 2 of their last 5, but also drew 1 and lost 2 in the other 3 matches (W2, D1, L2).
- The reverse fixture finished 0-2 to FC Malisheva a week ago.
Hibs have a point to prove
Hibernian FC enter Thursday's second leg of this UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 tie as big favourites with the bookies at 1.27, but there is no doubting that a whiff of potential upset lingers after the Kosovan side claimed a 2-0 success in last week's reverse fixture.
David Gray has done a decent job with Hibs since his appointment as manager on 15 May 2024, but there's little doubt as to the system which he has employed since taking charge. Gray's back three have the freedom to push and cover, his wing-backs are given licence to get forward and he insists on quick ball movement and overloading the half-spaces.
This style of play has seen Hibs win 1 and lose 3 of their 4 competitive home games so far this season (W1, D0, L3), which isn't quite the fortress that their support might expect. Their most recent results are a 2-1 home win over Brondby I.F. in a Club Friendly and a 2-0 defeat away to FC Malisheva in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026, while across all competitions their form is 4 wins and 6 defeats from their last 10 (W4, D0, L6).
Malisheva look to make it two for two
Thomas Brdaric has been in charge of FC Malisheva since 21 June 2026 and his side have been well organised, disciplined and dangerous in transition. Their most recent two results have been a 0-5 home victory over KS Vllaznia Shkoder and a 2-0 home win over Hibernian FC in this competition, however, those results aren't as good as they may seem at first glance. The Kosovan's last 10 matches across all competitions are W5, D1 and L4, which is a much more realistic reflection of their quality and ability. Kreshnik Uka is Malisheva's main man up front, the forward has scored 3 goals in his 3 UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 games to date and 3 of his side's last 8 strikes in their previous 5 matches in all competitions. Malisheva will lean into a compact block, try to win the ball in transition and push on with their wing-backs, so the wide areas are likely to be where this game is won or lost.
Hibs should prevail
We think Hibs should have enough in the tank to get the better of Malisheva over 90 minutes, but the visitors are on a 2-game winning streak and have enough about them to make the hosts sweat for their victory. The away side have also conceded 10 goals in their 6 competitive away matches this term, so we think this should be cagey, and the Under 2.5 goals & Both Teams To Score No market at 2.5 and 1.78 respectively make the most appeal.
