Hibs vs Midtjylland: The key Euro battles at Easter Road

The Herald Scotland

5 days ago

Everything seems to be set up for a confident Hibs side, who finished last season in third - a remarkable comeback after an early run that at one point saw them languishing at the foot of the table.
A strong Midtjylland side who have already started their league campaign with two wins from two stand in their way, and the Hibs fans will hope to drown out both their small travelling support and any chances they have of progressing further in the competition.
Here are three key battles which will decide whether Sunshine on Leith will be belted out come full time, or Midtjylland will rip up the script and spoil the party.
Jordan Obita vs Kevin Mbabu
With the possibility of extra time looming if the tie remains even, it could very well be decided by tired legs in the wide areas.
As the time continues to tick on at Easter Road both Mbabu and Obita will have to contend with not only each other, but the pacey, tricky players of the respective teams.
Former Rangers man Mbabu signed for Midtjylland from Fulham last summer, and will be looking to build on the fourteen league appearances he made. Obita has been a stalwart for Hibs over the past two years and recently agreed terms on a fresh deal to keep him at Easter Road until 2027.
Though both men are defenders, there is a possibility that their attacking contributions could prove decisive as they bomb up and down that flank - Obita the man with slightly more individual responsibility, playing as a wing back just ahead of the back three.
The man who can most effectively balance their defensive and attacking responsibilities in what could turn out to be a gruelling tie towards the end will go a long way to deciding the winner.
Kieron Bowie vs Jonas Lössl
Kieron Bowie is a major threat for Hibs (Image: SNS Group)
Kieron Bowie is a man with a point to prove this season following his debut year in Edinburgh being largely halted by a serious hamstring injury.
Gray recently praised Bowie on getting his first Scotland cap, and insisted that the 22-year-old showed the attitude required to succeed on the pitch during his rehab as he battled to get back to fitness and get into starting contention.
While Midtjylland goalkeeper Jonas Lössl did not concede any other goals in the first leg, it was his error that allowed Hibs the lead that they held for the majority of the match. He will be laser focussed on producing perfection at Easter Road.
Now back at full fitness, Bowie will be aiming to prove his sharpness on the European stage. He may have Lössl's mistake on his mind as he looks to be Hibs' hero.
The massive Easter Road support will need no excuse to jump all over any nerves from Lössl, but at 36 years old, Midtjylland's veteran goalkeeper will look to prove he has the experience to keep his opponents at bay.
Rocky Bushiri vs Franculino Djú
Midtjylland striker Franculino Djú played the full ninety in the first leg and did not really get going, largely thanks to the work of Bushiri at the heart of the Hibs back line.
Having already scored five in two league matches this season, including a hat-trick against Sønderjyske, he will want to transfer this form to boost his team in Europe and not just on the domestic front.
Standing in his way once more will be the Congolese defender, a man who has completely reformed his image in the eyes of the Hibs support and earned a new contract that runs until 2028. Gray trusts him implicitly, and barring anything unexpected, he will start and be key to Hibs' hopes of a clean sheet.
In a similar vein to Bowie, Djú will be hoping to make himself a hero on a European stage as one of the main focal points of Midtjylland alongside Adam Buksa. Having two strikers at the fore could be key for the Danish side as they face a Hibs team playing three centre backs who look to suffocate isolated opposition strikers.