- Hajduk Split are unbeaten in their last 3 away games (Won 2, Drawn 1).
- Rijeka have won 1 and lost 1 of their last 2 home games.
Hajduk’s high-press can trouble Rijeka’s patient possession game
HNK Hajduk Split and HNK Rijeka will contest a fiercely competitive Jadranski derby on Sunday when the Croatian big 4 do battle in Rijeka. The home side are the in-form club and will provide a stern test for a Hajduk Split side who have not won on their last 2 trips to the coastal city.
Our HNK Rijeka vs HNK Hajduk Split prediction is that both sides will be looking to bolster their European prospects by winning this weekend’s derby, with Hajduk Split currently 2nd in the HNL 2025-2026 and Rijeka 4th. Gonzalo García took over as Hajduk boss in July 2025 and has instilled a high-tempo, pressing style in the club ever since. His team play a proactive 4-2-3-1 formation which is designed to press the ball high up the field and to force turnovers in the opposition’s half.
Rijeka’s style could not be more different as Víctor Sánchez prefers a more patient, possession-based approach with his 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 line-up. The structure of his team is disciplined and the midfield is well-balanced for control, but the side will look to make the most of their creative playmakers to hurt opponents with quick, vertical surges. This HNK Rijeka vs HNK Hajduk Split preview highlights that the contrast in style should make for an interesting midfield battle on Sunday with Hajduk Split’s constant pressing and fluid front line looking to break through a structured, control-based Rijeka line-up.
Sego and Livaja can make the difference for the away side
With their superior league position, form in the recent away games and greater attacking prowess, Hajduk Split will look to take the game to Rijeka from the outset. A HNK Rijeka vs HNK Hajduk Split prediction at 2.45 looks good value as they are a more potent attacking team with Michele Sego (11 goals, 28 games) providing the firepower and Marko Livaja (4 goals in his last 5 games) also in red-hot form. They have won 8, drawn 4 and lost 3 of their 15 league away matches this season, scoring 1.80 goals per away game on average and conceding only 1.00.
Rijeka have won 7, drawn 4 and lost 4 of their 15 home games, scoring 1.60 goals and conceding 1.00. Rijeka’s talisman is Toni Fruk, who has 11 goals in 27 league games and 3 in his last 5. Hajduk Split have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their last 5 league games, while Rijeka have won 2, drawn 1 and lost 2. The only difference in the clubs’ recent form is that Hajduk Split drew 2-2 away at Slaven and lost 0-1 at home to Osijek in their previous 5 games, while Rijeka won 2-0 at home over Slaven Belupo and lost 0-2 at home to Osijek. This HNK Rijeka vs HNK Hajduk Split betting tips analysis suggests Hajduk Split should edge this close and competitive clash.
