Match Preview KAAA Gent v Hibs

[Purple & Green]

So it's Part 1 of the big one. Closely followed by Part 2 the following week.

The season defining games, with Hibs standing on the verge of a momentous achievement. Qualification for the Conference League by winning ties, rather than by default of losing your way into the competition. When was the last time Hibs won 3 euro ties in a row? That suggests this would be a tall order, against a decent Belgium side

That said, we've played ourselves into a nice bit of form and we've started to bolt the door at the back whilst still scoring at the other end. Which brings me onto what would constitute a good result? A win obviously, I think a draw you'd take, but still being in the game going to Easter Road is the first point of success. So then, scoring first in one of the games is probably vital.

KAA Gent have a good team, and they will be thinking this is a great draw for them. Players to watch out for are Davy Roef their goalkeeper and Laszlo Benes their playmaker.

This is going to be a massive 16 man effort, and the starting 11 I would choose in 4-2-3-1 would be:

Sallinger
Passlack O' Hora Kerr Obita
Chaiwa Mulligan
Wright Elding McGrath
Lowe

This game especially though, the five subs are as important as the starters

That's my view, I'm more interested in hearing yours.

 

[1 Mcnamara]

I would have
Sallinger
Passlack ohora kerr Obita
Newell
Campbell Mulligan McGrath
Boyle Elding

But it could be very different. Another tip of the hat to put much maligned by some, manager who is gathering quite a diverse squad.
I reckon we score, it's important we do

 

[Bangkokhibby]

Another tip of the hat to put much maligned by some, manager

Give it a rest man. You've shown us all you're Hibby number one. Just enjoy the game and never mind what others think.

 

[blue toon hibby]

Obita player of the season for me so far. Hopefully Passlack has shaken off his cobwebs and is fully focussed on Thursday. A 1-0 away win with a goal from Lowe would be a great result.

 

[Glenmore Road]

When was the last time Hibs won 3 euro ties in a row?

Never done it.

 

[Hammi]

I reckon is another cert for 3421 or the 3412.
If everyone is ready to hit the pitch, I expect the below is our strongest 11.
Only real question is Lowe or Elding up too. Most likely Lowe, but I'd prefer Elding.

Sallinger
O'Hora Kerr Obita
Passlack Mulligan Chaiwa Mayor
Wright McGrath
Lowe
​

I doubt we'll see Wright and McGrath both start though, so if it's one of them, Elding will play in place of the other.


Tough job though, gonna have to be at our best imo.

 

[Greenmachine]

Belgian teams tend to be fast, strong, and good on the ball.
Gent will provide a huge challenge to Hibs in our attempt to make history.
We are very much the underdogs.
However Hibs have been grinding out results recently which is a good habit to have, as this is what brings success.

Gent will come at us and try to score early, it's important we stay strong defensively throughout the game but especially early on.
Any score which leaves the second leg winnable for Hibs will be a very good result, that includes even a narrow one goal defeat.
What we really have to avoid is a heavy defeat akin to Hearts against Benfica.

I think he will play a similar team to the one that played in North Macedonia last week.

 

[Two Headed Boy]

I think I'd start:

Sallinger
Passlack O' Hora Kerr Obita
Chaiwa Mulligan
Boyle Campbell McGrath
Elding

I think that might be our best bet for staying compact and defensively tight (which we will need to be) but also able to be fast and attacking on the break with Boyle, McGrath and Elding. Campbell also gives us a bit of strength and a target at set pieces.

 

[Smurf]

I feel we've rode our luck getting good results with our poor performances and we really need to individually and collectively up our game to have a chance.

I'm glad the first leg is away from home.... In possession we need to use it much better and stop losing possession so cheaply. Out of possession work like fuck and maintain defensive structure.

A draw would be a fantastic result. I suspect though this side will exploit our weaknesses and beat us. I just hope by no more than the odd goal meaning the tie is more than alive.

 

[hibbybilly]

We will probably play similar tae the The Hun and Shkendjia games and frustrate Ghent. Mibbes steal a goal or at least keep them tae a 1-0.

 

[baggageandfibs]

We have no pivot / playmaker in midfield other than Newell so I would play him. He does like a sideways or back pass but that might work in our favour in what I suspect will be a very defensive set up.

 

[Hammi]

We have no pivot / playmaker in midfield other than Newell so I would play him. He does like a sideways or back pass but that might work in our favour in what I suspect will be a very defensive set up.

That's the playmakers job imo. To keep possession and decide where the game is played.
Killer balls come from creators, players not afraid to lose the ball trying something.
Joe just isn't that. He'd much rather keep possession.

Most teams need both imo.

 

[1 Mcnamara]

Give it a rest man. You've shown us all you're Hibby number one. Just enjoy the game and never mind what others think.

I've never claimed to be Hibby no.1. Nothing like it,and I'm far from it. Just pointing out some facts
So please just don't make up more shite.