Hibernians will be eyeing a victory this evening when they host FK Sarajevo of Bosnia/Herzegovina in the second leg of their first round qualifier at their own stadium in Corradino (kick-off 7.30pm).

In the first leg played last week in Sarajevo, the Bosnian side emerged winners 5-2, scoring their last two goals in the last 12 minutes of the match which the Paolites had to finish in 10 men after the dismissal of Soares early in the second half.

Soares had scored Hibernians’ second goal which put the local side 2-1 up. Jean Paul Farrugia had equalised after Sarajevo had taken an early lead. The home side then scored just before the end of the first half to level matters.

Early in the second half, Sarajevo scored the third goal from a penalty committed by Soares for which he was also dismissed. It was then that the Paolites seemed to have thrown in the towel, going on to suffer those late goals which have certainly diminished their hopes to advancing into the next round.

Nonetheless, the Paolites will be aiming for a victory this evening, but they will certainly feel the absence of Soares who is obviously suspended.

Coach Michael Woods is not expected to make any radical changes to the side that was defeated in Bosnia last week. The only difference may be Steve Pisani’s possible recruitment, taking the place of the suspended Soares.

He is expected to line up the following formation at the start: M. Muscat, A. Pulis, J. Vandelannoite, R. Camilleri, S. Pisani, B. Kristensen, J. Lima, E. Herrera, M. Dias, A. Cohen, J.P. Farrugia.