Verdict: Midtjylland win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to claim a first-leg advantage on Thursday night, Midtjylland will get their Europa League qualifying adventure underway when they meet Hibernian.
Midtjylland
Starting with the hosts, relinquishing their domestic crown last season as they had to settle for a silver medal finish among Denmark’s elite, Midtjylland are desperate to dust themselves down. Getting their 2025 campaign underway with an action-packed 3-3 stalemate against Odense last week, Thomas Thomasberg’s men know the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage here. Nevertheless, heading into the summer break with a 3-2 victory against Randers, Midtjylland have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous nine competitive appearances continuing on from last season. It should also be highlighted, the Wolves have suffered just a sole loss at the MCH Arena since the middle of February.
Midtjylland Team News
Shown a straight Europa League red card against Real Sociedad back on February 20th, Portuguese midfielder Dani Silva will miss out through suspension here. Likewise, South Korean international Gue-Sung Cho remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.
Opening his domestic account against Odense last week, former Lens marksman Adam Buska will spearhead Thomasberg’s charge in the final third. One-time Brentford’s start Mads Bech Sorensen will start at the heart of Midtjylland’s defence.
Hibernian
As for the visitors, although Hibernian might have clinched a bronze medal finish among Scotland’s elite last season, David Gray’s men largely limped their way over the finishing line. Mustering just a single victory from any of their final five Premiership appearances, the Greens will be bracing themselves for a real first-leg challenge when they travel over to Denmark on Thursday evening. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 loss against Bolton last week, Gray’s squad have also shown some extended issues away from Easter Road. In fact, Hibernian managed to muster just a single win outside of Edinburgh since returning from March’s international break.
Hibernian Team News
Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Hibernian will once again be without the duo of Rudi Allan-Molotnikov and former Rotherham midfielder Joe Newell on Thursday evening. Completing a permanent switch from Swiss outfit Luzern this summer, Thibault Klidje looks set to make his Hibs debut here.
Notching 15 Premiership strikes last season, Australian international Martin Boyle will spearhead Gray’s attack in Denmark. Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Jordan Smith will start between the sticks in midweek.
Midtjylland vs Hibernian Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown at the MCH Arena will be the first meeting between Midtjylland and Hibernian.
- The Wolves have suffered just a single defeat in front of their own supporters since the middle of February.
- Hibernian have registered just a sole victory away from Easter Road since returning from March’s international break.
- Midtjylland have registered at least a pair of goals in seven of their last eight competitive appearances continuing on from last season.
- Six of Midtjylland’s last seven showdowns at the MCH Arena have finished with over 3.5 goals.
Conclusion
Opening the 2025 campaign with an action-packed 3-3 stalemate against Odense last week, Midtjylland are seeking an immediate response here. Knowing the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage on Thursday evening, Thomasberg’s side will take some solace from their extended success on home soil. Suffering just a single defeat at the MCH Arena since the middle of February, they will host a Hibernian squad who failed to find any kind of fluidity on their travels last season. Mustering just a sole win away from Easter Road since returning from March’s international break, we are backing a home victory in midweek.
Verdict: Midtjylland win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
