Scotland's Hibernian open their Europa League qualifying campaign against the Faroe Islands' NSI Runavik on Thursday night at Easter Road. Hibs go into the fixture as massive favourites at home as the Scottish club prepare to kick off their Premiership season.
NSI are a semi-professional club and reached the Europa League first qualifying round thanks to their 2017 Faroe Islands Cup win. The team will be up against a much strong opposition in Hibs and playing in front of a crowd that could reach 10,000 fans will be something completely new to the minnows.
Neil Lennon will lead his side out after a strong preseason start. The club hopes to build on last season's fourth place finish in the Scottish Premiership and a positive start to their Europa League campaign will increase confidence. Hibs are less than a month away from kicking off the Premiership, and in some way, Thursday night's Europa League first qualifying round match against NSI will be another friendly.
However, it could have major implications on finances if the team can get through to the Europa League proper. Lennon must lead his team through four knockout rounds before the club can qualify for the Europa League group stage. It is an unenviable task. Scottish rivals Rangers and Aberdeen will also compete in the qualifying rounds.
Last season, Hibs were undefeated in 15 of their 19 home Scottish Premiership matches. Their form at Easter Road will make it difficult for the away side to get anything against HIbs' full-time professionals.
NSI are coming off of a 1-1 draw against Skala in their most recent Faroe Islands domestic league fixture. The club currently sits fifth in the league 13 points behind leaders HB. Although the club are undefeated in four of their last five domestic games, NSI haven't won their last two fixtures. The team was outscored in those matches 3-2. NSI is +17 in their domestic league and have given up just 15 goals. Yet, the team's defence will be taking a huge step up in competition on Thursday as Hibs struck the back of the net 62 times in Scotland a season ago.
Hibs should have no difficulty seeing off NSI in their first leg qualifying match. The match should help Hibs' players get ready for the regular season and will be treated more like a competitive friendly. Lennon's team can work on their tactics and get fit against the Faroe Islands' part-timers. Hibs will win and do so without much resistance.