Hibs beat Kosovan side Malisheva 4-3 on aggregate in second qualifying round
FK Shkendija have come through two rounds of Conference League qualifying
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Hibernian's Scottish Premiership campaign began with a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Motherwell on Sunday, but they can respond by earning a valuable first-leg victory over North Macedonian side Shkendija in the third round of Conference League qualifying on Thursday.
Hibs had to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit in the previous round, winning 4-1 at home against Kosovan outfit Malisheva to progress, while Shkendija have posted big wins over Europa and Bravo in the first two qualifying rounds.
Team news
Hibs look set to be missing injured pair Jamie McGrath and Nicky Cadden again, but boss David Gray is expected to select attacking trio Martin Boyle, Owen Elding and Nathan Lowe as the hosts look to secure a first-leg lead.
For Shkendija, Kosovan midfielder Almir Kryeziu and forward Fabrice Tamba have both netted in the first two qualifying rounds and are among Shkendija's most important players, while Fahd Ndzengue should start up front.
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The stats
FK Shkendija have seen off Europa (6-0 on aggregate) and Bravo (4-3 on aggregate) so far in the competition.
Hibs entered at the second qualifying round, where they beat Malisheva 4-3 on aggregate.
Hibs lost their Scottish Premiership opener at home to Motherwell 2-1 on Sunday.
Shkendija won their first league game of the season last month, beating Skopje 3-0 at home.
Shkendija made the league phase of last season's Conference League and progressed to the knockout play-off round, losing to Samsunspor 5-0 on aggregate.
Hibs have never made the group stage or league phase of any European competition in the modern era.
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Prediction
Hibs were given a scare in the second qualifying round when losing the first leg away at Malisheva 2-0, but Gray's side were much improved at home, coming out on top 4-1 to set up this tie.
The league opener ended in disappointment, though, when Ibrahim Said struck a late winner for Motherwell at Easter Road and now the attention turns quickly back to Europe.
Hibs have never made the group stage or league phase of a European competition, but could move to within two games of doing so if they can see off the North Macedonians over two legs.
Shkendija have impressed when beating Gibraltans Europa and Slovenian outfit Bravo in the first two qualifying rounds, but this is a much bigger test.
The visitors have scored 10 goals in their four games in this competition this summer and also won their league opener last month, beating FK Skopje 3-0, so look backable to score in defeat at Easter Road.
Score prediction: Hibernian 2-1 FK Shkendija
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