Malisheva vs Hibernian Predictions

• Malisheva are on a six-game winning streak at home
• This is Hibs’ first game of the new season
• Both teams have scored in five of Malisheva’s last six games

Hibs road to Europe starts in Kosovo

Hibs begin their bid to reach the Conference League on Thursday afternoon as they head to Kosovo to face Malisheva.

The Easter Road outfit are the heavy favourites to win on the night and the clear favourites to qualify for the next round as they bid to reach the main draw of a European competition since the 1992-93 season.

Hibs have come agonisingly close in recent seasons, losing out in the qualifying play-off round for this competition in each of the last two campaigns, and they should be able to overcome Malisheva over the two legs – but they may need to win in Edinburgh to get over the line.

Backing Malisheva in the double chance market is one strong option, but the best bet could be backing both teams to score.

The hosts have seen goals at both ends in five of their last six games across all competitions, and they are on an eight-game scoring streak at home.

This is Hibs’ season opener and both teams scored in four of their final five games last term, while they have gone nine games without a clean sheet including three pre-season friendlies.

Malisheva are on a six-game winning run at home and they will be well aware that they need a positive result in this fixture if they are to stand any realistic chance of pulling off an upset. Hibs have more quality within their squad but may settle for a draw on Thursday in the knowledge they will have home advantage in the return fixture. A 2-2 stalemate has a chance, as Malisheva have scored at least twice in each of their last six home games and Hibs appear to be in solid scoring form after hitting seven goals across their last two friendly games.