FC Midtjylland and Hibernian meet this Thursday in Herning for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tie, with both sides looking to take a step towards securing their place in the group stage. The Danish side, regulars in European competition, enter as favourites at the MCH Arena. Last season, Midtjylland came within a point of the Danish Superliga title and possess recent experience on the continental stage, progressing to the knockout phase play-offs after competing against established teams in last year’s Europa League. Home form is a particular strength; the Herning club have won 17 of their last 20 matches on their own ground.
Hibernian, managed by David Gray, travel as unseeded underdogs but buoyed by hope and excitement, having never qualified for the group stage proper of this competition. The Scottish Premiership outfit finished third domestically last season but have had a tough preseason results-wise, losing to Ajax (6-3), Bournemouth (2-1), and Bolton Wanderers (0-2). Hibs will be keen to remain compact and disciplined in this game with a view to keeping the tie alive ahead of next week’s return at Easter Road, where they will hope that home support will play a key role.
The game should be an interesting contest, with Midtjylland’s experience and quality making them the clear favourites. Hibernian, though, can benefit from the pressure being largely on the home side, and they'll need to try to use that to their advantage with their backs up against the wall. It'll take a huge performance for them to avoid defeat here, and one they might not quite be capable of.
Midtjylland 3-1 Hibernian
