Edinburgh side Hibernian entered the Europa League after winning the Scottish Cup last season, despite being in Scotland’s second tier. The situation is somewhat similar to that of Birmingham City in 2011/12 and Hibs fans will be hoping for a similar journey. Brøndby IF were one of the better teams in Denmark in the early 2000s but they have dropped behind local rivals FC Copenhagen in recent seasons.
As previously mentioned, Hibs are in the second tier so could possibly prioritise promotion back to the Scottish Premiership rather than look to go far in a gruelling Europa League campaign this season. However, their new manager Neil Lennon had an excellent record in Europe with Glasgow giants Celtic whilst also winning a fair few league titles and will not take any lack of effort from his players, such is his feisty nature
Usually a Scandinavian team would have an advantage over their other European competitors due to the fact they are usually half way through the season by now. However, Denmark operates a winter/spring season rather than a more traditional summer season which of course means their fitness levels will be around the same level as their Scottish opponents.
I have a hunch that Hibs might come out on top here. We have seen the underdog come out on top on numerous occasions in these preliminary qualifying rounds – Hibs’ Scottish colleagues Celtic being a prime example of that. I think the Hibs players will look to really impress their new manager in their first competitive match under his stewardship and will know that Lennon will settle for nothing less than 100%. I am not sure Brøndby have that similar motivation and will perhaps get a bit complacent knowing that their opponents are in the second tier of a particularly weak league.
Hibernian are 5/2 to win with 888Sport.
See all of today’s tips here.