HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Osijek Prediction: The Masters From The Sea Holding On To The Saying: Once Bitten, Twice Shy!

With the current half-season almost over, HNK Hajduk Split welcomes NK Osijek to the Stadion Poljud for the 16th matchday of the Croatian championship, hoping to avenge their 2-1 road loss against them.

Let's have a look at the latest Croatia 1.HNL predictions between HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Osijek, probable lineups, match facts and up to date betting odds for you to consider!

HNK Hajduk Split

Form: DWDWW

Writing off the game to celebrate their road victory against Lokomotiva Zagreb, which saw them lead by two goals while the game was still far from over, was their biggest mistake, as their defense line cracked in the dying moments of the game, allowing them to be held to a 2-2 draw.

While a victory at this stage would have seen them being two points behind a first-place finish, they now find themselves four points behind as they presently sit in second place with 31 points, four points ahead of NK Osijek.

A convincing victory at home against a team that dealt them a disappointing loss on the road could be in the cards. With 16 points amassed from a 10-match unbeaten streak that saw them record four wins and six draws, their form has been consistent and they have lived up to their fans' expectations without hesitation.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

L. Kalinić (91); D. Mikanović (24), C. Awaziem (25), J. Elez (19), D. Melnjak (17); J. Vuković (4), M. Fossah (6); S. Biuk (27), F. Krovinović (23), E. Sahiti (77); J. Mlakar (29)

NK Osijek

Form: WLWWW

Labelled as slight underdogs in their recent home match against Dinamo Zagreb, they walked away as huge favorites, handing the defending champions their first defeat of the season to record a 1-0 victory, and the man behind their success was Ramón Mierez, who found the back of the net 15 minutes before stoppage time.

And their triumph was sweet retribution for the grueling setback they suffered at their hands three months ago on the road to a 5-2 scoreline, and they returned the favor to stall their progression in the standings.

With only one loss in their previous five games and four victories, they have maintained a steady level of play and are currently in third place with 27 points, three points ahead of fourth-place Slaven Belupo, while a second-place finish would leave them with a four-point deficit.

They are attempting to continue their winning streak as they prepare to face a team they defeated at home by a score of 2-1. While they may think they have a good chance of winning this time, the setting has changed because they are now on the road, which could make things more challenging for their aspirations of eking out a triumph.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

I. Ivušić (1); S. Gržan (17), M. Žaper (19), Y. Cheberko (98), M. Leovac (4); M. Caktaš (11), D. Nejašmić (6), V. Jugović (7); R. Mierez (13), D.D. Beljo (9), L. Kleinheisler (5).

Match Facts

• NK Osijek has won three of its last six road games against HNK Hajduk Split in the Croatian championship.
• HNK Hajduk Split are unbeaten in their last seven home matches in the Croatian championship.
• In meetings between HNK Hajduk Split and NK Osijek, the average number of goals scored between them is 1.6.
• HNK Hajduk Split averages 2.1 goals at home, and NK Osijek averages 1.79 goals away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 72 meetings, HNK Hajduk Split have won 30 times, NK Osijek have won 20 times, and there have been 22 draws with a goal difference of 101-76 in favour of HNK Hajduk Split.

Expert Betting Tips

While HNK Hajduk Split has a dominant head-to-head record against the visitors, it wasn't enough to keep them from losing to them last time out, but with home advantage that has turned out to be their fortress, their victory in this case can't be questioned for a side with high expectations this season.

NK Osijek were not intimidated by the presence of Dinamo Zagreb, which resulted in a victory on the spot, and they are undoubtedly not intimidated by the hosts, who in their last six road matches against them have edged three victories while losing only one, with the remaining two finishing in draws.

And that proves they have more on hand than they are letting on, and with a hint of trouble in their hosts' backline in their most recent game, it'll be enough compensation for a much-needed victory against them once more, this time away from home.

Since HNK Hajduk Split has won five of their last seven home matches in the Croatian championship without losing a game, it is impossible to ignore their home record right now. This matchup may be a close affair with few clear-cut chances, but a victory for the hosts is what we predict at the final whistle.

• W1 for 1.87
• Goals - Under 2.5 for 1.73
• NK Osijek Corners - Over 3.5 for 2.00