CONFERENCE LEAGUE BETTING PREVIEW - HIBERNIAN VS SHKENDIJA

Conference League

2026-08-06 - Hibernian vs Shkendija

A Sports Betting Preview by Auls

Hibernian v Shkendija
Football: UEFA Conference League Third Qualifying Round First Leg
Thursday 6th August 2026 - Kick Off 8pm

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Hibernian

There is a real frustration with how this season has begun for Hibernian, despite the fact they were able to negotiate the Second Qualifying Round of the Conference League. A genuine ambition has been set that sees Hibernian find their way into the League Phase of the competition, which would also represent the first this club have made it into the Group Stage of any of the UEFA competitions.

In the last few seasons, Hibernian have been strong enough to make it through to the latter Qualifying Rounds without getting over the hump. A heavy defeat to Aston Villa in the Play Off Round of the 2023/24 Conference League may not have been a big surprise, but Hibernian will have been disappointed to have lost to Legia Warsaw in Extra Time at the same stage last season after beating Partizan Belgrade previously.

David Gray has a long affiliation with Hibernian and he helped them overcome Malisheva 4-3 on aggregate in the previous Round of the Qualifiers, although the overall level has to be lifted. A late goal saw Hibernian beaten 1-2 at Easter Road in the Scottish Premiership opener last weekend and that does mean the side have lost 4 of the last 5 here in all competitions with the exception being the 4-1 win over Malisheva in the Second Qualifying Round Second Leg.

Martin Boyle scored at least eleven goals for a third year in a row last season and opened the season looking to be in good form. However, he is a doubt with an achilles issue, while Jamie McGrath and Nicky Cadden are expected to miss out. Callum Wright signed in the summer and is expected to be a part of the squad for the first time.

Shkendija

They may remain one of the top teams in the North Macedonian top flight and the national team may be one of the more improved ones of recent times in the UEFA Confederation, but that has not prevented the like of Shkendija from having to join the club Qualifiers very early on. This season the European adventure has begun in the First Qualifying Round of the Conference League, but that is something Shkendija are accustomed to having to face.

Twelve months ago, Shkendija were playing in the First Qualifying Round of the Champions League and winning two ties against The New Saints and FCSB meant they were guaranteed a spot in the League Phase of one of the three UEFA competitions. Unfortunately for Shkendija, back to back losses meant falling into the Conference League, but they were able to make it through to the Knock Out Play Off Round in what was a strong European campaign.

Shkendija have already beaten Europa FC and Bravo in the first couple of Rounds of the Conference League Qualifiers, but there is no safety net this season and that means they have to win two more ties to return to League Phase action. They were beaten 2-1 away from home by Bravo in the Second Qualifying Round First Leg, but Shkendija rallied for a 3-1 home win in the Second Leg and this opportunity to face Hibernian.

They finished 9 points behind Vardar in the Macedonian top flight last season, but Shkendija have begun this campaign with a comfortable home win. Home form has been important for the team and Shkendija travel to Edinburgh knowing they have lost 3 of the last 4 away games in all competitions going back to last season.

Head to Head

This is the first competitive meeting between these clubs.

Prediction

A bit of quality was lacking as Hibernian pushed for a winner against Motherwell last weekend and so there will be a concern if Martin Boyle is not available.

The fans and David Gray will be hoping that Hibernian's three matches have at least allowed them to find some rhythm, but they will also be aware that they can leave nothing to chance against Shkendija.

The visitors have already negotiated a couple of Qualifier ties in the Conference League and Shkendija have a bit more European experience than Hibernian having reached the Knock Out Play Off Round of the Conference League last season. That will give Shkendija belief, but they were beaten by Slovenian representatives Bravo away from home in the last Round.

It is a result that has maintained a poor recent away run for Shkendija and that may allow Hibernian to find a way to a result that gives them something to protect next week in the Second Leg.

The Pick :

Hibernian 2-1 Shkendija

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back Hibernian to Win & Over 1 Total Goals (Bet Builder) at 1.80 with Bet365 (early payout if a team is leading by two goals)