Gent have been ahead at half-time in three of their last four matches
Hibernian have failed to score on their last two away European trips
Recommended Bet: Gent to lead at half-time/full-time
A place in the league phase of the Europa Conference League is the prize at stake when Gent host Hibernian in the first leg of their play-off round tie on Thursday.
The Buffalos only scraped into the Belgian Pro League’s European play-off place on goal difference, then needed a dramatic 120th‑minute equaliser and penalties to beat Genk in the Europa play-off final.
But they have carried positive pre‑season form into the new campaign and negotiated two rounds against LNZ Cherkasy and IFK Gothenburg to reach this stage.
Meanwhile, a shock 2‑0 defeat to Malisheva in the second‑round first leg left Hibs on the brink, but a superb 4‑1 comeback in Edinburgh and solid subsequent displays against Shkendija have given them a chance to prolong their European run into 2027.
The latest Gent vs Hibernian odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Gent remain without Matisse Samoise, who sustained an ACL injury last December, as well as Abdul Ayinde.
Hyllarion Goore came off midway through the second half against Gothenburg without any apparent injury and was not named in the squad against La Louviere at the weekend, so he could also be a doubt.
Momodou Sonko would be in line to keep his spot in Rik De Mil’s 4-3-3 system if the Ivorian is not able to feature.
Christian Burgess and Siebe Van der Heyden form a solid central defensive partnership ahead of captain Davy Roef in goal.
Hibs’ only absentee is Rocky Bushiri, with Owen Elding and summer signing Nathan Lowe expected to lead the line.
Nicky Cadden has been added to David Gray’s European squad after a solid block of training and could be pushing for inclusion on the left-hand side.
The latest Gent vs Hibernian odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Gent are unbeaten in eight straight matches, six of which have been played this season.
Hibs are unbeaten in four of their last five.
Gent have not lost any of their last seven consecutive home games.
Hibs have scored in five straight fixtures.
Gent have conceded just three goals in their last five matches.
The latest Gent vs Hibernian odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Gent’s home form and early‑season cohesion make them an appealing option to lead at half-time and full-time.
Hibs tend to start slowly and grow into games, which could be to their detriment in Belgium if the hosts get their noses in front.
Gent have plenty of pace in their ranks and can cause major problems on the counter-attack, although Gray’s side may be content to remain patient even if they go behind with the second leg in Edinburgh to come.
Score prediction: Gent 2‑0 Hibernian
Back Gent to lead at half-time/full-time at 11/8 with LiveScore Bet
