Rijeka vs Hajduk Split Prediction: Derby between the best teams in the league

After the biggest derby with Dinamo, Hajduk will turn to the Adriatic derby with Rijeka in the 11th round of the SuperSport HNL this Saturday starting at 19:30. We will certainly witness an interesting clash between two teams in good form. Rijeka will host Hajduk, and this is a meeting between the two best teams in Croatia at the moment. Hajduk currently holds the top of the table with 21 points from nine games played, while Rijeka have only two points less after the same number of games. 

Form: WWWWD

This season, Rijeka and Hajduk already played one game, at the very beginning of the new season, when Hajduk won in Split with a minimum score of 1-0. With a record of 6 wins, a draw, and 2 losses, Rijeka are in second place in the table, 2 points behind Hajduk, and they have 3 points more than Dinamo, which is in third place. A possible victory in this match would mean a change at the top of the table, where Rijeka and Hajduk would switch places. Coach Zeljko Sopic announced that the whole of Rijeka lives for the Adriatic derby, which will further be spiced up with the return of Marko Pjaca to the hosts. Before the representative break, Rijeka needs a win to take over the top, which will be a demanding task against the organized and dangerous Hajduk. 

Form: WWLWL

Hajduk once again showed in the derby against Dinamo that they could play a tactical match against the defending champions, and for that, they were rewarded with a goal and a victory, which put them at the top of the table again. Although Hajduk are missing some players who were dominant at the beginning of the season, including in the 1:0 victory over Rijeka at home, namely Rokas Pukstas, the Split’s club still plays good football and have a very long and high-quality rotation. 

In the last five head-to-head meetings, Hajduk won three times and Rijeka twice. In Rujevica, Hajduk have a great record, as they have won in the last four out of five duels, which gives hope that they will leave before the break in a winning mood. This Adriatic derby promises an exciting and even match, where each team will do their best to win. Rijeka have an additional incentive to win because a win would keep them in the race for the title. The sold-out Rujevica and the support of the local fans could be key factors for Rijeka. Considering the situation at the top of the table, an even match with goals on both sides is expected, which will make this derby even more interesting for those of us who like such matches.