- Hajduk Split have three wins, one draw and one defeat from their last five HNL games.
- NK Varaždin have one win, three draws and one defeat from their last five HNL matches.
Varaždin’s tactical discipline is key
NK Varazdin have a different philosophy to Hajduk Split. Instead of the high-octane pressing style employed by Hajduk, Nikola Šafarić has been building a possession-based side at Varaždin that relies on structure and the development of young players. This NK Varazdin vs HNK Hajduk Split preview highlights how they are a patient side that allows the game to come to them, but they are happy to press the ball when the time is right and can create overloads on the wings.
Aleksa Latković has been the main offensive threat for Varaždin this term, scoring two goals in five HNL games, but the emergence of creative spark Frane Maglica, who has two assists in three HNL appearances this season, could be a difference maker.
Hajduk Split have enough to edge it
Hajduk Split, by contrast, are a progressive 4-3-3 system that thrives on high-tempo play, quick transitions, aggressive pressing and a box-to-box midfield that can dominate the possession. Under Gonzalo García since July 2025, they have become one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the league and their 2-0 away win at Osijek and 2-2 home draw with Rijeka are the highlights of a good recent run of three wins, a draw and a defeat.
Rokas Pukštas is red hot for Hajduk, scoring three times in five HNL outings to lead the line for his team.
Our NK Varazdin vs HNK Hajduk Split prediction considers Hajduk Split are second in the standings with 13 points from five matches, while Varaždin are fifth with six points. Varaždin remain unbeaten at home, however, with their 2-2 draw with Dinamo Zagreb and 2-1 win at Rijeka showing they can frustrate the bigger sides.
Hajduk are priced up
The bookies have Hajduk as 1.83 favourites to win this game, while Varaždin are priced at 3.85 on the moneyline, leaving Hajduk as clear favourites.
Split have the better form and more dangerous players, but Varaždin are a tough prospect at home, where they remain unbeaten.
Hajduk have won one and drawn one of the two previous head-to-heads, but haven’t won on either of their previous two trips to Varaždin, the most recent of which was a 1-1 tie.
With Varaždin supplying players to some of the biggest clubs in Croatia and selling players to Hajduk recently, there’s also some added spice to this clash, although that won’t be enough to put the home side on the winning side of the betting.
This NK Varazdin vs HNK Hajduk Split betting tips analysis suggests the clash of styles should make for an intriguing chess match in which midfield battles and the wing duels will be crucial, but given Hajduk’s current form, we’re supporting the visitors to squeak through. The over 2.5 goals bet could also be a smart bet given Hajduk’s attacking form. The final NK Varazdin vs HNK Hajduk Split prediction is in favor of a narrow win for Hajduk based on recent performance.
