- Hajduk are unbeaten in their last 2 home games.
- Žilina have lost their last 2 away games.
- Hajduk Split are the clear favourite in this tie and arrive in much better form than Žilina.
Europa League qualification awaits
HNK Hajduk Split vs MSK Zilina prediction suggests that HNK Hajduk Split are odds-on favorites to beat Slovakian side MSK Zilina at Stadion Poljud in the first leg of this UEFA Europa League qualification matchup and the bookmakers are perhaps right to have taken this view, as the Croatian side are in better form and are the strongest of the 2 sides on paper.
Gonzalo García has certainly shaped up a well-balanced, control-first side who can build from the back and use their width and set-pieces to create a bias in the pitch. There is also a lot of bite in the front third, as the 6-3 victory over Vukovar 1991 last time out demonstrated.
Hajduk are 2 wins, 2 draws and a defeat from their last 5 matches, while their home form stands at 3 wins and a loss from 4 matches across all competitions. The hosts are scoring an average of 2.50 goals per game at home and they will need to hit that level again on Thursday to stay in the driving seat.
In contrast, Pavol Staňo has his Žilina side playing a higher-tempo, front-foot game where they press high up the pitch and try to break quickly with verticality. The problem is, they've been far too inconsistent lately and they are arriving in Croatia in poor form.
The visitors come into this clash with 2 wins and 3 defeats from their last 5, but back-to-back losses to Spartak Trnava and Podbrezova will have dampened momentum. Their away form is also questionable, as they have won just 1 of their last 5, with 1 draw and 3 defeats. They have scored 8 goals in those 5 matches though, so they can definitely trouble Hajduk.
A clash of styles
This HNK Hajduk Split vs MSK Zilina preview is a classic clash of footballing philosophies and it will be fascinating to see if the game plays out in chess-like fashion, as Hajduk will look to stifle Žilina's play and try and catch their opponents out of possession, while the Slovakians will be looking to win the ball back quickly and make a dash to the goal.
HNK Hajduk Split vs MSK Zilina betting tips point to Hajduk just about having enough to edge this contest and the home win looks the best bet at 1.58. However, as we mentioned earlier, Žilina can be dangerous if they manage to win turnovers in the forward third, so HNK Hajduk Split vs MSK Zilina prediction could still be a close game and an under 3.5 goals bet makes the most sense at the current prices.
