Hibs face a tough trip to Slovenia as they aim to participate in the final round of qualifying for the Europa League after NK Maribor overcame the challenge of Hungarian outfit Videoton.
After a 1-1 draw in Hungary a week before the Slovenians convincingly beat their near neighbours 2-0 who looked a pale imitation of the side the Hibees faced in the early nineties.
Clearly Hibs will need to pay particular attention to Dalibor Vola? after the 23 year old, on loan to fellow top flight side NK Nafta Lendava last season, netted both goals with the first in particular coming after a sweet move, the second a header.
The current Slovenian Cup holders showed more than enough during the second leg of the tie to convince any doubting Hibs supporters that the conclusion of this tie is certainly no formality.
Maribor looked to have both pace and a fluid passing style which in the heat and humidity of their country’s capital will certainly give Hibees boss John Hughes food for thought.
‘The Violets’ are the largest club side in the former Yugoslav state and regularly attract decent crowds with their record attendance standing at 14,000 for their title play off match on the last day of the 1996/97 season.
The first leg of the tie takes place in Slovenia on July 29th, just a week tonight.
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