- Hajduk Split are currently 2nd in HNL 2025/2026 with 61 points after 32 games.
- Varazdin are in 3rd with 47 points from 32 matches, so they’re still in the fight for the title.
- Hajduk Split have won 1 and lost 1 of their last 2 home matches.
Goals may be scarce when two solid sides clash
A closely fought match is anticipated when HNK Hajduk Split host NK Varazdin in the Croatian First Division on Sunday, as both sides are known for their strong defensive structure and ability to play at a high tempo. Our HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Varazdin prediction takes these tactical strong points into account, anticipating a match defined by compactness and pressing.
Hajduk boss Gonzalo Garcia is a possession-based coach that has added flexibility and a high-tempo pressing game to the team since he took over in July 2025. His players build up patiently and overload the midfield, but press the ball in numbers when they lose it, which has made them a difficult team to beat.
Varazdin have a different tactical approach and have played a much more compact, block-the-box style since Nikola Safaric took over in December 2023. This HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Varazdin preview highlights that they don’t have the quality to play a build-up game like Hajduk, so sit deep, block up and try to hit on the counter. The approach has been mixed, with Varazdin losing 8 of their 16 away games in HNL 2025/2026, and winning just 5 of those, showing they struggle to get enough goals to win on the road.
Hajduk Split should be able to nick it
Varazdin averages 1.12 goals per game scored and 1.38 conceded on the road this season, so they are vulnerable at the back and can be broken down by teams with quality in forward areas. Nonetheless, the HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Varazdin prediction suggests that Hajduk Split’s style and quality in the front-line suits this situation, averaging 1.50 goals per home game scored and 0.88 goals conceded in HNL 2025/2026.
Hajduk have won ten, drawn two and lost four of their 16 home games in HNL 2025/2026, so their home field advantage should see them past Varazdin. Michele Sego leads the line for the home side with 11 goals in 28 HNL appearances this term, but Marko Livaja has found form with three goals in his last five games for Hajduk. Varazdin will look to playmaker Iuri Tavares, who has scored three goals in their last five, with top scorer Ivan Mamut, who has nine goals in 25 appearances this season, providing a reliable focal point.
Varazdin have failed to win in their last two trips to Hajduk Split, so this is likely to be a tough fixture for the visitors. But Safaric has made them tough to break down and dangerous on the break since taking over, so we’re expecting a low-scoring affair on Sunday.
The odds for a Hajduk win are not great at 1.42, so we’re taking the unders here with Under 2.5 at 2.15 and BTTS - Yes at 1.83. For those seeking HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Varazdin betting tips, we think Hajduk’s quality and home field advantage should be enough to earn them the win and both teams should be good for a goal in what is likely to be a very tight game. The final HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Varazdin prediction is a 1-1 draw or a narrow 2-1 win for the home side.
