- Vukovar 1991 are bottom of the table with just 28 points from 34 HNL 2025/2026 games.
- Hajduk Split are second in the table with 64 points from 34 HNL 2025/2026 matches.
- Vukovar 1991 have won just one of their 17 away games in HNL 2025/2026, conceding 36 goals (2.12 per game).
Tasty underdog vs big club matchup
This HNK Hajduk Split vs Vukovar 1991 preview highlights that Vukovar 1991 are in a dogfight for survival at the foot of the standings while second-placed Hajduk Split are in the hunt for the title under the tutelage of their new manager Gonzalo Garcia. The importance of this game will not be lost on either camp, giving this classic big-club vs underdog matchup some extra plot to keep the neutral observer interested.
Garcia has been in charge since July 1st 2025 and his tactical tinkering has brought some much-needed structure to Hajduk Split’s build-up play, as well as a real tempo and tenacity to their play in possession and pressing game. The HNK Hajduk Split vs Vukovar 1991 prediction is that they will play a fluid 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation that varies in the way they occupy the half-space areas, but their overriding style is one of controlling possession, playing vertically and pressing as a unit.
Tomislav Stipic has focused on structure and pragmatism since taking over on March 18th 2026. His 3-5-2 or five-man midfield is designed to frustrate opponents and allow his side to hit on the counter. Vukovar will sit deep and try to stay compact, but this may not be possible as Hajduk Split will make them pay for any time they have the ball in their defensive half.
Hajduk Split can get it right against visitors
Vukovar 1991’s recent form has been poor, with just one win, one draw and three defeats in their last five HNL 2025/2026 games, including back-to-back losses in their previous two. This HNK Hajduk Split vs Vukovar 1991 prediction is underlined by the fact that they’ve failed to win either of their previous two away games, a draw and a loss, and have never won away to Hajduk Split.
According to our HNK Hajduk Split vs Vukovar 1991 betting tips, Hajduk Split have also been in poor form recently with just one win, two draws and two defeats from their last five games, but their two recent home matches have seen them win and lose once each. Vukovar have a powerful weapon in Jakov Puljic, who has 15 goals in 28 HNL 2025/2026 appearances this term and has scored three of his side’s last four goals, but it’s hard to see him scoring the winner on Friday.
Hajduk Split’s Michele Sego is a top class attacking player with 11 goals in 30 HNL 2025/2026 and always a threat. However, the HNK Hajduk Split vs Vukovar 1991 prediction is that the odds of 1.2 for a home win are more than a bit too short for us, especially as this is a clash of styles which should favour the visitors. But we do expect the hosts to do the majority of the scoring and for it to be a high-scoring affair.
Over 2.5 goals is priced at 1.42, so there’s a clear belief in the bookmakers that it is going to be a goal fest, but we feel the visitors will struggle to get on the scoresheet, so we’re taking Both Teams to Score - No at 1.73.
