Hajduk Split vs Rijeka Prediction: Full stadium expected for the Adriatic derby in Split

Hajduk Split had a great start to the new season with a victory away from home against their biggest rival. On Sunday, Rijeka, which is also in excellent form, will come to Poljud. Both teams had a great start to the new season. Considering that there were winners in the last 16 games between these two teams, we can count on a great fight on Sunday evening in Poljud.

Form: WLWDW

After the leaving of several important players of the first 11, Hajduk started to create a new strong team around Marko Livaja. The new reinforcements have been liked so far, but it is still very early in the season and the Split club will only get a true picture of the value of the new reinforcements in due course. So far things seem very good. After the opening of the season and a minimal defeat in the Super Cup in which they played without their best player Marko Livaja, Hajduk shocked the defending champion in the first round with a big turnaround at Maksimir and unexpectedly won the first three points. This advantage could melt away quickly, but if the beginning is anything to go by, we are in for a very tense, uncertain, and tight new season in which Hajduk could threaten Dinamo more seriously.

Form: WWWWW

Sergej Jakirovic remained at the bench of Rijeka and that is actually the best thing that could have happened to this team. The foundation of the new team, in which there were changes, was laid by a granite and solid defense led by former Dinamo player Emir Dilaver, while a dangerous attack and a stable midfield are based on Emmanuel Banda, Jorge Obregon, and the young and promising Niki Jankovic. The rest of the team seems very powerful, and what is a big advantage of Rijeka compared to the beginning of last season is a much wider and better rotation. 

More than 4 years and 16 games have passed since the last time the two teams shared points. Hajduk is the clear favorite in this match after an excellent game and victory against Dinamo. The team from Split has the possibility to take the first position in the ranking, but it will not be easy against Rijeka. The visitors have an excellent defense that will prove to be crucial in this game. Although both teams are better in defense, this is a derby match and I expect to see goals on both ends and maybe it’s time for these teams to play a draw after such a long time.