Hibernian are capable of great things at home, as they demonstrated in the previous round, when they crushed Malishevo 4-1, recovering from a 2-0 away defeat. Hibernian manager David Gray emphasizes that the team must take advantage of the home advantage and play aggressively from the start to build momentum ahead of the return leg in hot North Macedonia.
Their upcoming opponent, Shkendija, is a strong and experienced European side who reached the Conference League group stage last season. However, the visitors are inferior in this encounter. Sports Mole analysts predict a 2-0 victory for the Scots, noting that despite the Macedonians' good form (two wins in a row), the quality of Hibernian's squad will be decisive. The return of key midfielders Jamie McGrath and Callum Wright, who will strengthen the hosts' attacking potential, also boosts confidence.
Hibernian therefore approaches the match with a high level of motivation. A defeat to Motherwell in the opening round of the Scottish Premiership will only spur the team to prove themselves in European competition. Given the strength of their attack and the importance of the home match, a Hibernian victory seems the most likely and logical outcome.
