Hajduk Split vs Dinamo Zagreb Prediction: Can Hajduk keep the first place?

On Sunday, as part of the 10th round of the SuperSport HNL, a big derby between Hajduk and Dinamo awaits us, which is more important in terms of first place. Hajduk welcomes the derby after a hard-fought victory over Lokomotiv, while Dinamo are in great form with as many as 14 goals scored in the last three games. This match is not just an ordinary encounter; it's about the collision of two great rivals with a rich history and this time, the stakes are very high. 

Form: WLWLW

The club from Split did not start the new season in the right way. Another early relegation in Europe and some questionable results in the league put coach Ivan Leko under a lot of pressure, but the team reacted in the last round and got three points against Lokomotiva with a minimum score of 1:0. The home team will be able to count on all players and all the main forces in front of a crowded stadium Poljud, which could be one of the decisive factors in a match like this. Dinamo comes in top offensive form, but Hajduk will surely have something to say in the big clash. This season, Hajduk have already shown that they are a serious competitor for the title, and their meeting with Dinamo represents a real opportunity to show their strength. Although they were defeated in the Super Cup against Dinamo, they managed to surprise in the first round of the HNL by beating Dinamo in Maksimir, with a goal by Rokas Pukstas. 

Form: WWWWW

After losing to Sparta Prague and being relegated from the Europa League, Dinamo went on a string of five wins including all competitions, and scored an impressive 20 goals. The Blues are in great offensive shape and against Hajduk's defense, which can show signs of instability, they could score a goal, but I am convinced that the home team will find a way to “kill” the game. Hajduk would be most suited to a match with fewer goals against such a sloppy guest in a duel between the two best nines in the league, Bruno Petkovic and Marko Livaja. The home team announced that they will not play in a 3-5-2 system, which means an offensive formation with four from the back, and it should also be added that Dinamo's first line-up practically had a day off in the last round in a convincing victory over Rudes. 

When all factors are taken into account, Dinamo are currently in much better shape, but a derby is still a derby, and Hajduk also have the home field advantage. The Whites will try and attack, but it will be dangerous against Dinamo, which is why I expect a calmer game in which both teams will manage to score a goal. It is expected that this will be an extraordinary match, where each team will do their best to achieve victory, but I believe that the support of the home fans will be the turning point of this match, and Hajduk will find strength to win against the biggest rival..