Hajduk Split vs Gorica Prediction: Best defenses in the league in a direct duel

After a very valuable victory in Pula over Istra, the current leader of the table Hajduk will face fourth-placed Gorica at home. We all know about Gorica's incredible home unbeaten streak, but away from home they look shaky with only nine points won from eight rounds played. Gorica are indeed the hit of the championship that they are undefeated in the last three championship rounds and that, they celebrated against the team from Split in the first match between them this season, but today's match seems perfect for Hajduk's revenge on Poljud. It will be the last match at the Hajduk’s stadium in 2023, in which Hajduk enters as the leading team in the Croatian championship with 36 points, while Gorica are fourth with ten points less and a game less.

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Hajduk are on a positive streak, the atmosphere is good, and on the wave of that, they will certainly, do everything to continue the streak. Hajduk have won five championships since Mislav Karoglan replaced Ivan Leka on the bench. Apparently, the new manager Karoglan woke up the team. I expect that Hajduk will start like they did against Istra and Osijek, where they broke the games with high pressing. Hajduk didn’t win against Gorica in their last two encounters and it will be motivation plus for this team in front of fully crowded Poljud.

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Gorica's last away game in 2023 will be at Poljud. Fourth against first, 10 points difference in favor of Hajduk with an extra game played, but also an inevitable reminder of the September win against Hajduk 1:2 for which Gorica are extremely proud. It is known that Gorica are a very dangerous team in transitions and if the opponent goes all the way forward, they can quickly develop attacks and use the open spaces. There is also that famous reaction to the so-called "second ball", which is very important because it can catch other teams in a situation when they might have a chance to score, but they happen to concede a goal. It’s Gorica’s specialty this season. However, Gorica are impressive in this part of the season, standing high in 4th place and playing incredibly well in the defense.

We can certainly expect a good match, Gorica are coming to Split to compete without big pressure and try to take as much as possible. A phenomenal atmosphere awaits us, a football holiday, full stadium in Split as these people waited so long for this team to be on the top of the table after half season. Replacing the manager was the right call at the right time and now Hajduk are again a very dangerous team, especially at home. For me, Hajduk are a big favorite in this match and I expect them to win confidently, to give their fan an earlier Christmas present. Gorica are phenomenal, but they aren’t as confident in away matches as they are at home and it can be a big issue in front of a full stadium against Hajduk. Also, the weather can be a very important factor, with potential wind and rain predicted for the duration of the match. We know what a storm means in Split near the sea.