- Hibernian FC are unbeaten in their last five matches, with three wins and two draws (including their 0-0 away draw to Gent in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026).
- KAA Gent are also unbeaten in their last five, with three wins and two draws (a 1-1 draw at home to IFK Goteborg, a 2-1 win away to RAAL La Louviere and a 0-0 draw against Hibs in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026).
Hibs and Gent is a meeting of different philosophies
The contrast in philosophy of these two teams should make for an intriguing clash at Easter Road Stadium on Thursday. Hibs are a direct, high-tempo team with a front three that can press high, play fast and score goals. Gent are a possession and pressing team who like to overload the flanks and suffocate teams in their half.
It promises to be a battle between the Edinburgh club's transition punch and Gent's control, so whoever wins the midfield battle should get the better opportunities to create and score. David Gray's side have made excellent progress since he took over as head coach on 15 May 2024 and have introduced a continuity to a club that has stayed competitive in Europe.
Hibs arrive for this clash in fine form after a run of six wins, two draws and just two defeats in their last 10 in all competitions. They won their last home match 1-0 against Partick Thistle and drew 0-0 away to Gent in the first leg of this tie.
Owen Elding has been the spark that has taken Hibs forward during that spell and is their obvious danger man whenever they can break with pace. Elding has scored two goals in five appearances in the UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 and can extend his scoring run to three in five if Hibs can pick a winner on Thursday.
Goore can be Gent’s game-breaker
Rik De Mil has been in charge of Gent since 10 December 2025 and has pushed a structured, aggressive pressing identity. Hybllarion Goore has been the club's top threat, bagging one in four of his UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 appearances, so his poacher's touch could be the difference if the Buffalos get their wide play and pressing game working on the night.
Gent have been better travellers of late, with two wins in their last two away games, but there's little to choose between these sides in terms of quality and motivation. The odds reflect a slight preference for Gent at 2.45, but our selection is for the draw at 3.4 because we think this game could go either way.
Both teams to score at 1.73 is also a good fit to this fixture, while under 2.5 goals at 1.88 also appeals for what will be a cagey match.
