Shkendija come into this third qualifying round tie with a perfect home record in their brief campaign, having won both matches at their own ground while conceding just once. Hibernian's season is still in its infancy and their sole away trip ended in a goalless display and a…
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Sign inShkendija host Hibernian in the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round tie on Thursday night, with the Scottish side protecting a slender 2‑1 advantage from the first meeting at Easter Road. The return fixture is due to be played at Shkendija’s usual home, the 15,000‑capacity Ecolog Arena in Tetovo, as the North Macedonian club aim to overturn the deficit and reach a play‑off against IFK Gothenburg or Gent.
Hibernian head coach David Gray faces a string of fitness concerns ahead of the journey. All‑time leading European goalscorer Martin Boyle is nursing an achilles problem and must be assessed, while creative midfielders Jamie McGrath and Nicky Cadden remain sidelined with calf injuries. Joe Newell is a doubt after feeling tightness during the warm‑up at the weekend, though Callum Wright has trained fully and is expected to return to the squad. Rocky Bushiri is a long‑term absentee, and Miguel Chaiwa is doubtful after being forced off against Motherwell.
Shkendija are in far ruder health. Artim Polozani’s side are likely to name a similar XI to the one that has produced two consecutive wins, with Marko Gjorgjievski – who scored a dramatic 88th‑minute winner in the previous round – pushing for a start. Fahd Ndzengue, Almir Kryeziu and Sebastjan Spahiu all offer genuine attacking threat.
The Leith side’s European campaign has been eventful. Gray’s men overturned a two‑goal first‑leg deficit to beat Kosovan newcomers Malisheva 4‑3 on aggregate in the second qualifying round, with Nathan Lowe and Owen Elding catching the eye. They then edged the first leg against Shkendija 2‑1 at Easter Road, but domestic form has been mixed – a 2‑1 Scottish Premiership defeat at home to Motherwell followed that victory. Lowe has struck three times in four appearances, underlining his importance.
Shkendija reached the Conference League league phase last season, eventually falling to Samsunspor in the knockout play‑off round. This year they have already navigated two ties with confidence, demolishing Europa FC 6‑0 on aggregate before recovering from a first‑leg loss to eliminate NK Bravo 4‑3 overall. Polozani’s side average over three goals per game across their last ten fixtures, and eight of those contests featured at least three goals. Their continental away record may be poor, but at an atmospheric Ecolog Arena they will back themselves to trouble any opponent building from a narrow first‑leg deficit.
Lowe’s physical presence and sharp finishing have given Hibernian a focal point that was missing in early pre‑season. The summer signing’s three goals in four outings include the vital first‑leg strike, and his hold‑up play allows runners such as Boyle and Wright to flood forward. Shkendija’s defence, marshalled by Meljichi and Islami, will need to keep Lowe quiet if they are to prevent the Scottish side picking them off on the break. If the ball sticks up top, Gray’s team can control the tie.
The winner of this two‑legged affair advances to the play‑off round, where IFK Gothenburg or Gent await. For Hibernian, a place in the league phase – the club’s first European group‑stage appearance since the 2005‑06 UEFA Cup – remains tantalisingly within reach.
Shkendija
Coach: Artim Polozani
Hibernian
Coach: David Gray
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