- Hajduk Split have won three of their last five in all competitions, but Osijek are also on a roll, winning four of their last five.
- Osijek can give the game a real edge as they are an exciting team, full of energy and pace.
- Osijek beat Hajduk 1-0 in the last game between the teams, an away win in HNL 2025/2026.
Hajduk look to have an edge in HNL's top game
HNK Hajduk Split sit sixth in the Croatian top flight standings with four points from three games, but they entertain league leaders NK Osijek on Sunday in what promises to be a riveting clash of two of the most entertaining teams in the HNL 2026-2027, and this HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Osijek preview suggests a close contest.
Osijek, the away side, have nine points from a possible nine in the standings, so they are clear on top with the leaders.
Hajduk have three wins from their last five in all competitions, and they enter this game on the back of a two-match winning streak, but Osijek are on a four-game winning streak, so HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Osijek prediction points to a tight battle.
Wide attack a problem for Osijek
Osijek are a very interesting team to watch in 2026-2027 under Fede Bessone, who has the players pressing with great energy, winning the ball back quickly and then playing with a real sense of vertical urgency to get their shots.
But Osijek will struggle to deal with Hajduk's attack in this game because Gonzalo Garcia has the hosts playing a flexible, attack-minded game, with wide overloads and rotating forward profiles.
Marko Livaja is the main man for Hajduk at the moment, leading their HNL 2026/2027 scoring with two goals in three games, but Michele Sego is in form too, finding the net four times in their last five games as the home side have racked up 13 goals.
Osijek will make it tough
So, Osijek will have a tough game on their hands in this one, although Nail Omerovic is the form finisher for Osijek with four goals in his last three HNL 2026/2027 games. He has five goals in his team's last 11 games overall and is worth taking to get on the scoresheet again on Sunday.
Domagoj Bukvic adds the creativity for Osijek and, although he has yet to score, has three assists in three HNL 2026/2027 matches this term.
So, this should be a cracker with an edge to it if Osijek play to their strengths and Hajduk try to take the game to them.
The odds of 1.75 on a home win are not very attractive, although the away team's odds of 4.18 and draw at 3.84 still look a bit on the short side for a game where Osijek have never lost away from home this term and Hajduk have drawn their one home game so far, so HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Osijek betting tips lean toward caution.
With Osijek averaging 4.00 goals for and 0.50 against on the road, but Hajduk scoring only twice in their one league home match, Under 2.5 goals at 1.97 looks a live alternative if this turns into a tense, tactical game, and HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Osijek prediction again suggests a narrow scoreline.
The last two head-to-head games have been shared between the clubs with no draws, so HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Osijek prediction is a 1-1 draw.
