- Hibernian have won 3 of their last 5 games (L2), losing the other two.
- Shkendija have won 4 of their last 5, including their most recent two games.
Easter Road is no fortress for Hibernian at the moment
Hibernian FC are the 1.52 favourites to beat North Macedonia's FK Shkendija 79 when the sides meet in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 at Easter Road on Thursday evening. The visitors can be backed at 6.4 for the win with the draw priced at 3.9.
David Gray has set Hibs up to be quite a flexible team in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1 formation which can push the wing-backs wide to provide width in the final third and allow a structure-first approach to do their business. The Edinburgh club have been a streaky side this season, winning 5 and losing 5 of their previous 10 games in all competitions, but they have responded well in Europe with a 4-1 home win over FC Malisheva.
Artim Polozani has Shkendija set up to press and play on the front foot. The North Macedonians like to press hard and recover the ball as high up as possible, then hit their opponents quickly on the counterattack.
Both teams lack the penetration to break each other down
This could be a tasty clash of philosophies as Hibs look to play through the press, while Shkendija will want to force turnovers and punish the channels. The hosts have a bit to prove in defence after conceding seven times in five home games this season, but we think there is enough about the visitors that the draw could be a better option here than backing the hosts.
Shkendija have been the more consistent of the two teams this year with six wins, one draw and three defeats in their previous ten. The North Macedonians can travel too, having averaged 2.20 goals per game when on the road in all competitions this term and only conceding 1.40 on average.
The market seems a little tight and cagey for this one, with the Under 2.5 goals priced at 1.82 and Both Teams To Score: No at 1.72. We're taking the underdog on the double chance because there is a bit of value to be had in the 6.4 and the stats and form suggest this could be a close European tie which Hibs can edge in a low-scoring match.
Hibs have more big game experience and that could be crucial
Shkendija's Almir Kryeziu is the top scorer in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 with two goals in four appearances. But Hibs' Nathan Lowe is in top form right now and has bagged three of his side's nine goals in their past five games in all competitions.
We think Hibs have a little more big-game quality in the ranks to get the win in this encounter, but it won't be easy against a solid and speedy Shkendija side. The best player on the pitch could be the difference here, so Felix Passlack - Hibs' major threat in this competition with one goal in two games - could be the key to unlocking a winner.
