- Gent are unbeaten in 4 home games in all competitions (W3, D1) and have scored 3.25 goals per game at home.
- Hibs are win 2, loss 2 from 4 away games in all competitions, scoring 1.75 goals and conceding 1.25.
- Gent are 5 wins, 4 draws and 1 defeat from their last 10 matches in all competitions, whilst Hibs are 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat from their last 5.
Contrasting styles on display at Ghelamco Arena
Gent enter this clash as the clear favourites at 11/20, with Hibernian coming in at 51/10 and the draw at 31/10. These prices reflect the relative quality of the sides and the fact that Gent are the home side, but the Edinburgh club's form may just be good enough to keep the tie alive.
KAA Gent's form has been solid across all competitions to start the season, with 5 wins, 4 draws and just 1 defeat in their previous 10. They beat KV Mechelen 2-0 on the opening day of the Pro League season and followed that with a 1-1 home draw against IFK Goteborg in the UEFA Conference League Qualification.
Rik De Mil has given Gent a possession-first identity with a solid structure that creates a patient build-up and allows his side to use the width of the pitch to create overloads in wide areas. The pace and pressing of Hibernian will be a completely different test for the Belgians, with the home side needing to control the tempo and keep the ball well.
Hibs have had an up-and-down start to the season but their recent form is enough to suggest that they'll be a threat on Thursday. David Gray's men have looked organised in a compact, transition-heavy shape that relies on wing-backs and quick vertical runs in the counter.
Hyllarion Goore is Gent's UEFA Conference League Qualification top scorer with 1 goal in 4 games, but Hibernian's Nathan Lowe has been on fire with 3 of Hibs' 8 goals in their last 5 games. With this clash of control vs counter, the goals markets look most appealing, with Over 2.5 goals at 18/25 and Both Teams to Score leaning towards Yes at 3/4.
Go with Gent to outscore Hibs
Gent are the stronger side and have better form at home, where they are unbeaten in 4 in all competitions. Their price is shorter here but Hibs' scalps of Rangers and Shkendija suggest they are more than able to keep this one close.
An appealing bet could be Gent to win and under 4.5 goals, as the hosts can keep this game under control and don't have to go out and chase a flurry of goals.
