Hajduk Split vs Slaven Belupo on 6 February
On February 6th, a thrilling encounter awaits as two sides from the Croatian Premier League, Hajduk Split and Slaven Belupo, meet in a high-stakes battle at the Poljud Stadium in Split. For Hajduk Split, the match is crucial in their pursuit of European qualification and potentially challenging for the top spot. Slaven Belupo, on the other hand, enters this match with the desperate need for points to avoid being dragged into the relegation battle. With both sides desperate to secure a vital win, this match promises to be an exciting and tactical contest. The forecast suggests cold and windy conditions, which may have a significant impact on the style of play, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to this already charged encounter.
Hajduk Split: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Hajduk Split enters this match in solid form, having won four out of their last five games in the Premier League. Their recent run has been highlighted by strong attacking performances, with the team averaging 2.2 goals per match in their last five outings. This attacking verve is underpinned by a fluid 4-3-3 formation, which allows them to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. With 58% average possession over their last five games, they enjoy extended spells in the opposition half, constantly pressuring their opponents with intricate build-up play and swift transitions into the final third.
Their primary tactical approach revolves around quick ball circulation and exploiting the width of the pitch through their full-backs, who overlap regularly to provide attacking width. Midfielder Kristijan Jakić has been the engine for Hajduk, acting as the deep-lying playmaker with the ability to dictate tempo and distribute the ball efficiently (88% pass accuracy). Up front, the dynamic duo of Marko Livaja and Jairo, both with an eye for goal, creates an unpredictable threat. However, Livaja’s slight injury could disrupt this attacking synergy, making the match’s outcome even more uncertain.
Defensively, Hajduk’s high pressing game forces their opponents into mistakes. They average 13 pressing actions per 90 minutes, which is one of the highest in the league, setting the tone for their aggressive style. However, this pressing intensity leaves them vulnerable to counter-attacks, especially against quick and direct sides. Their back four, led by captain Marko Lijić, has been relatively solid, though they have occasionally looked shaky when exposed to rapid transitions. Injuries to key defenders such as Niklas Mikkelsen mean Hajduk’s defensive cohesion will be tested in this encounter.
Slaven Belupo: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Slaven Belupo’s form has been a concern of late, with just one win in their last five league matches, alongside three losses. This dismal run has them sitting perilously close to the relegation zone, and their lack of consistency has been reflected in their overall performances. They typically set up in a 4-4-2 formation, with a compact midfield structure designed to break up the opposition’s passing lanes and limit space in central areas. However, their 47% possession rate suggests that they tend to cede control to their opponents, preferring to play on the counter-attack.
Defensively, Slaven Belupo is organized, but their lack of pressuring intensity allows teams to build from the back and create chances. They average just 7 pressing actions per 90 minutes, meaning that Hajduk Split’s high press could easily exploit their tendency to sit deep. Their midfield, led by the industrious Mario Šitum, often focuses on disruption rather than creating attacks, meaning they rely heavily on their wingers—such as the pacey Filip Krovinović—to break quickly in transition.
Up front, Slaven’s strikers, particularly the veteran Ivica Jovanović, have shown flashes of quality but are often left isolated due to the lack of support from the midfield. In recent matches, the team has struggled to convert possession into meaningful opportunities, with their xG (expected goals) stat of 1.1 per game being among the lowest in the league. A key issue for Slaven has been their inability to capitalize on set-pieces, a weak spot Hajduk will certainly look to exploit. Injuries to both their starting wingers, Luka Jurić and Ante Kulušić, further complicate matters, forcing them to play with less width and potentially restricting their attacking options.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The recent head-to-head record between these two sides has been a one-sided affair, with Hajduk Split winning four out of the last five encounters. Their last meeting this season, a 3-1 victory for Hajduk at Poljud, was characterized by dominance in possession and clinical finishing in the final third. Slaven Belupo managed to grab a consolation goal late on, but it was clear that Hajduk’s superior attacking quality overwhelmed their defensive resilience.
Looking deeper into the psychological battle, Hajduk enters this match with significant confidence, particularly playing in front of their home crowd, where they have been formidable this season. Slaven Belupo, on the other hand, will face added pressure given their precarious position in the standings. Historically, they have struggled against the top teams, especially away from home, and their mental fortitude will be tested as they look to avoid another disappointing result.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most crucial battles in this game will take place in the wide areas. Hajduk’s full-backs, particularly the attacking-minded Ivan Strinić and Radoslav Lajić, will look to exploit the space left by Slaven Belupo’s narrow midfield. With Slaven’s wingers missing, the responsibility falls on their full-backs to defend wide areas. This could provide Hajduk with space to attack and create overlaps that are central to their style. The ability of Slaven’s full-backs to contain these threats will be decisive in limiting Hajduk’s offensive potency.
The midfield battle will also be crucial. Hajduk’s Jakić will face off against the hard-working Šitum in central midfield. Jakić’s distribution and control of the ball could dictate the flow of the game, but Šitum will look to disrupt his influence and break up any forward momentum. How these two midfielders influence possession and transition will shape the tempo of the match.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Hajduk Split’s superior attacking quality, combined with their high press, should make them the dominant side in this contest. Slaven Belupo will likely set up to absorb pressure and look to hit on the counter, but without the necessary pace or width to exploit Hajduk’s high defensive line, they may struggle to get a foothold in the game. Hajduk’s possession dominance, coupled with Slaven’s lack of intensity in pressing, means that Hajduk will have numerous opportunities to create chances.
Prediction: A 2-0 victory for Hajduk Split seems the most likely outcome, with Hajduk’s attacking depth proving too much for Slaven. Expect Hajduk to dominate possession (around 60-65%), create several goal-scoring opportunities, and perhaps grab a goal in each half. Slaven, despite their defensive discipline, may find it difficult to generate enough of an attacking threat.
Final Thoughts
Hajduk Split enters this match as heavy favorites, but the contest will hinge on whether they can break down Slaven Belupo’s defensive structure and avoid getting caught on the counter. For Slaven, this is a must-win game, and they will need to find an extra gear to compete with one of the league’s top sides. Can they withstand the pressure? Or will Hajduk’s attacking prowess be too much to handle?
This match will answer whether Hajduk can continue their push for the top and whether Slaven Belupo has the resilience to avoid slipping further down the table.
