Hibernian vs NSI Runavik Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

After an impressive return to the top flight of Scottish football last season, Hibernian are pushing for success in Europe. Neil Lennon’s side moved into fourth in the Premiership last term, coming in behind the Old Firm and Aberdeen. They’re aiming for another strong season, and their new campaign starts on Thursday night at home to Faroe Islands’ cup winners NSI. Will they claim a victory in their visit to Easter Road, or will the Scottish side put one foot in to the second round of the qualifiers?

The Europa League has been tough on Scottish sides of late, with St Johnstone and Rangers crashing out of the first round last season, and Aberdeen losing their opening tie. Only Celtic have impressed in Europe from the Premiership, but this year could change things. Hibs have been rising through the ranks over the last two seasons, and Neil Lennon has big ambitions in the coming season. Their failure to overtake Rangers last year saw him threaten to quit, and he’s hardly going to take a first round defeat in the Europa League.

Hibs have been handed a good draw in the first round, against a side who have never made it past the opening round of a European campaign. They’ve qualified for this stage for the last three seasons, going down to Belarusian and Northern Irish opposition in those campaigns. They’ve lost their last nine matches on the road in this competition, and they head to Easter Road aiming to score in an away Europa league tie for just the fourth time.

While Hibs don’t have a great record in Europe, their last match in this competition saw them win 1-0 at Bronby. They’ve struggled in European competition, but with the club on the up they can expect a better result on Thursday. We expect them to claim a victory in this first leg against the side placed fifth in the Meistaradeildin table.

The visitors have lost to nil in 15 of their 22 European ties in their history, so we’re backing Hibs to claim a clean sheet in this clash. They should comfortably win this first leg, and we think the best value on the heavy favourites is to back a home win to nil on Thursday. We’re not expecting a heavy win for Hibs, who are going to need time to adjust to Europe again, so we’re backing a 2-0 victory for Lennon’s men.