Hibernian welcome Partizan Belgrade to Easter Road as they look to keep their Europa Conference League group phase dream alive and avoid a repeat of the disappointing defeat to FC Midtjylland a fortnight ago.
David Gray and his team went to Serbia in last Thursday’s first leg and took home a 2-0 victory in which Martin Boyle produced the goals in a magical night to boost the Scottish co-efficient.
Belgrade will travel to Edinburgh as they look to overturn the deficit, whilst Hibs will fancy their chances of extending their lead in the tie in front of a sold-out Easter Road crowd.
Should Hibernian progress the job doesn’t get any easier as they will face AEK Larnaca or Legia Warsaw, where Larnaca lead 4-1 after the first leg.
Preparations from both sides have differed with Hibs throwing away a two-goal lead in Kilmarnock while their Serbian foes recorded a resounding 7-2 away win over Napredak.
Hibs boss David Gray refuses to get too excited, despite the first leg and has urged the fans to fill the stands.
“It’s half time in the tie, nothing’s been achieved yet we start this game at 0-0,” he told the press conference on Wednesday.
“We’ll be approaching this game as though it’s goalless with it all to play for because we all know the threat and danger Partizan possess.
“They have real good quality technical players who are at that level for a reason. We need to be at our very best to get a positive result.
“You can never ever underestimate the power of what the fans can do to really spur you on.”
Midfielder Jamie McGrath also spoke at the press conference and revealed how desperate he and his teammates are to be the first Hibs players to make it to the group stages in a European competition.
He added: “The gaffer said a Hibs team have never got through to the group stages and that is something in the back of our minds as we want to be the first to do it.
“We can’t afford to take our eye of the ball of we will be punished.”
Recent signing Grant Hanley could make his European debut after getting his first taste as a Hibee in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock while Partizan will be without Vukasin Djurdjevic who was sent off in last Thursday’s first leg.
The game kicks off at 8pm and will be shown live on the BBC Scotland channel.
