Dinamo Zagreb vs Hajduk Split Prediction: High stakes derby before holiday break

On Sunday, starting at 19:15, the 19th round of the SuperSport HNL and the autumn part of the championship will be closed with the eternal derby between Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split. The derby between Dinamo and Hajduk often contains much more mental traps than tactical dilemmas and outwits. This season, it is further emphasized by the state of the table, which Hajduk have been leading for some time. The pressure on last year's champion is greater than in previous seasons, mainly because the White won in the last two derbies. Every derby carries with it a high stake, including this one. Some earlier matches of the two biggest Croatian clubs were called "truth derbies" or "decision derbies", some were called "crucial" or "decisive". This one could comfortably carry the title of "high-stakes derby" because, after a long time, the balance of power between the two rivals is such that points on Sunday mean a lot to both of them. The stakes are high, so the impression is that it is more important for both of them not to lose on Sunday than to chase all three points at all costs.

Form: WWWWW

In the HNL treat of the week, Dinamo welcomes Hajduk to Maksimir with two games less played and seven points behind. Because of this, the imperative to win is immediately imposed on the Blues, who, after the return of the best player Bruno Petkovic, are on a streak of five consecutive victories in all competitions, but they are playing unconvincingly. Against Ballkani in the last clash, it looked quite pale, but in the end, Dinamo still managed to win and ensure spring in Europe. In that match, Bosko Sutalo was injured, and will not be available, as will Emreli and Drmic. However, the backbone of the team is there, and because of that the Blues have every right to hope for a full spoil against their biggest rival.

Form: DWWWW

Since Dinamo has two games less and with today's possible victory, they would be only four points behind Hajduk, so, Hajduk’s main goal is not to lose in Zagreb. By the way, Hajduk enters this derby after their streak of seven consecutive victories in all competitions was interrupted by a draw at Kranjceviceva against Lokomotiva when Hajduk saved a point in the second half. At the same time, coach Mislav Karoglan's 100% streak was also ended, but he is still undefeated since he took over the hot bench of Split’s team. As far as the match is concerned, Karoglan has sweet concerns and we expect Hajduk's standard lineup with a double block in the middle, which should lead the match to more defensive waters.

Both teams have their own reasons, a defeat would push Dinamo into an even deeper abyss and further enhance the court battles, while on the other hand, with a defeat Hajduk would spoil all the good things they did in the autumn part of the season, especially in the second part since Mislav Karoglan returned to the team, who is undefeated even after 20 games on the Hajduk’s bench. The stakes are high, so we expect a cautious and more defensive match that could very easily be decided by one goal.