Will Gent build a comfortable lead before their trip to Edinburgh? Conference League match preview: Gent vs Hibernian
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 20:30 Central European Time, the "Planet Group Arena" in Ghent will host the first leg of the UEFA Conference League 2026/27 playoff qualification round: Belgian side Gent take on Scotland's Hibernian.
The winner of this two-legged tie will book a place in the Conference League group stage, while the loser will see their European campaign come to an end for this season.
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Gent have methodically and pragmatically navigated the previous qualifying rounds. They edged past Cherkasy's LNZ (0-0, 0-0, progressing on penalties) and Sweden's IFK Göteborg (1-0 away, 1-1 at home). Last weekend, Gent kept their momentum going with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over La Louvière in the Belgian league.
The hallmark of this Gent side is maximum focus when out of possession and a strong emphasis on positional discipline. Up front, key figures remain Laszlo Benes, Josue Vergara, and Ivorian Hyllarion Goore. On home turf, the Belgians aim to set a high tempo and head to Scotland with a cushion.
Edinburgh's Hibernian, meanwhile, have also impressed in qualifying, knocking out Kosovo's Malisheva (0-2, 4-1) and North Macedonia's Shkëndija (2-1, 0-0). Domestically, the "Hibs" have been consistent, notching a clean-sheet victory in the Scottish League Cup against Partick Thistle last weekend (1-0).
However, David Gray's side travel to Belgium with some notable absences in midfield and defence (DR Congo international defender Rocky Bushiri is sidelined). Away to the technically gifted Belgians, Hibernian are expected to form a compact block, relying on physical duels, second balls, and set pieces.
Gent are expected to dictate territory and possession, looking to unsettle the Scottish defensive lines with quick passing through the half-spaces. Hibernian, for their part, will focus on crowding their own box and striking on the counter.
It's worth noting that Gent and Hibernian have never previously met in an official UEFA competition.
What to bet on in this clash?
The difference in squad quality and Gent's vast experience in European group stages should be decisive at the Planet Group Arena. It's absolutely crucial for Gent to secure a home win, rather than leave their fate to the intimidating atmosphere of Easter Road. My prediction: Gent to win.
