Although qualification to the second round is hardly an aspiration for Hibernians, the Paola club can look forward to bringing some relief to Maltese football this evening if they at least avoid a home defeat against Omonia Nicosia in the second leg of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round at Ta’ Qali (kick-off at 9pm).

Hibernians start with a 3-0 deficit as they went down heavily against superior opponents from Cyprus in the first leg. Omonia have eliminated Maltese teams in the two previous meetings against Rabat Ajax and Sliema Wanderers.

Another home defeat by Hibernians would spell disaster for the Maltese clubs in European competition this season. Sliema Wanderers were heavily beaten at home by FC Sheriff of Moldova to the tune of 4-1 on home soil in the preliminary round of the Champions League. Birkirkara suffered a 2-0 home defeat against APOEL, also from Cyprus, in the first leg of the UEFA Cup a fortnight ago.

Hibernians will rely heavily on the speed and striking potential of Cohen, Doda and Scerri in attack in a bid to take an early lead but they have to be on guard at the back as the team has been conceding a lot of goals in matches played so far this season.

Hibernians’ line-up is not expected to differ much from: Muscat, Xuereb, Mintoff, Pulis, Baldacchino, Scerri, Mbong, Camilleri, Pullicino, Cohen and Doda.

Meanwhile the Hibernians FC has announced that there will be a shuttle bus for the UEFA Cup match, leaving Paola square at 7.45pm