Sibenik vs Hajduk Split Prediction: Dalmatian derby for the end of the year

The matches between Sibenik and Hajduk always have a special charm due to the strong rivalry among the fans. However, Sunday's clash between the Orange and the Whites at Subicevac also has great importance in terms of results. The Split’s team is fighting for the top of the table and hopes to win the autumn championship title, while Sibenik desperately needs every point in their fight to avoid relegation. There is no doubt that we are in for a very demanding match. Hajduk are in a very good rhythm, although the last 4-5 games have not had the desired result. On the other hand, Sibenik have great motivation to end the year with a positive result against one of their biggest rivals

Sibenik

Form: DLLWL

Finally, Sibenik's attack started to work in the last round against Istra in Pula. For the first time this season, Sibenik scored three goals in one game. Many factors influenced this. From the excellent pitch that allowed them to play a fast-passing game to the return of Pozo who connected the lines in the team well. In any case, the match with Istra can be a turning point for Sibenik on how to move forward. For the duel with Hajduk, their manager Vidovic will not be able to count on the booked Prekodravac and the injured Zuta. Everyone else is ready, Djakovic, Majic, and Bakic, who served their suspensions in Pula, are returning to the squad. However, the manager Vidovic is suspended and will watch this derby from the stands. They are in 9th place with 16 points, and only a win in their last five matches in the league. I expect Sibenik to play in a low block and wait for counterattacks, but that's how almost every team plays against Hajduk.

Hajduk Split

Form: DLWDD

In Hajduk is always interesting and something is happening. The whole week I read news about misunderstandings between players and their manager Gattuso eliminated Yassine Benrahou and Leon Dajaku from the team the day before yesterday due to lack of commitment, who are therefore not in the competition for the final round of the HNL in 2024. He even said that they are done with this team while he is there. Obviously, the pressure is huge in Hajduk, they have the same number of points as Rijeka at the top of the table, and seven more than Dinamo, but the title race is far from over and they know that every point counts as the season goes by. Mister Gennaro Gattuso will be without Ivan Rakitic at Subicevac, who received his third yellow card against Rijeka. However, I think Hajduk are still the favorite, and that individual quality will decide.

Expert Betting Tips

Gattuso and Hajduk's biggest problem will be the weather and the pitch. I know that the pitch is the same for everyone, but this is for many the worst pitch in the league. A bad pitch always favors a less-quality team, and the better team suffers. The one who is faster, stronger, and tougher in duels and who wants to win more will win. I've noticed that both of them have been playing with more energy and moving well lately. The first meeting between these two teams was played at Poljud in early October, and Hajduk won convincingly 4:0. Ivan Rakitic, Bruno Durdov, Anthony Kalik, and Marko Livaja scored for the Whites. In this match, I expect more of Sibenik, after their great performances in the last round against Istra. I think that in the last match of the Croatian HNL in 2024 we will see more than three goals and Hajduk’s win in this derby.