Osijek vs Hajduk Split Prediction: The stakes are huge in this match

The HNL returns to the focus of the football public in Croatia in a big style. After the success of the Croatian national team, the championship returns in full glory. This round brings us a big derby. The one between Osijek and Hajduk. All eyes will be on Pampas. The representative break for Hajduk came at the right moment. The Whites were undefeated for 11 rounds, and then they didn’t win in two rounds in a row. They were deservedly defeated in Varazdin, and in Poljud they drew against Istra 1961. Osijek on the other hand, improved a lot, caught a rhythm and we will see how this break affects them.

Form: DWWWW

Osijek outclassed Dinamo in Maksimir (4:2), and in the last round before the international break, they drew in Rujevica against undefeated Rijeka. These are confirmations that this team belongs in the top 4 in the league. We've gotten better, that's undeniable, but we're taking it one step at a time. We are aware that expectations are getting higher, and we try to meet them. However, it will take more time to reach the level we want to be at, emphasized their manager Coppitelli. Osijek are welcoming the derby in a good atmosphere, which is quite understandable considering the eight victories achieved in the last ten games, but with great respect for the opponent they lost to in the first round of the championship. Osijek are in 5th place with 20 points, but I think that Osijek are certainly a team for the top 3, considering how much they invested in the team and staff.

Form: DLWWW

Gattuso faces his biggest challenge in the second half of November. He is defending the first position, and at the same time, he has two games behind him without a win. One point out of six possible is a situation in which Gattuso has never found himself in Hajduk. In addition, two difficult, hard trials are coming. Visiting Osijek and hosting Dinamo. Before Gattuso’s team are some games that could direct the season. Hajduk are in first place, with 28 points, and the good news for Gattuso are that most of the key players are ready and fit to play. Ismael Diallo is back in the squad after serving his suspension due to yellow cards, and there are growing speculations about how he will regain his place in the starting eleven. This 26-year-old left winger from the Ivory Coast is one of the key players in Hajduk's defense and his return will certainly be significant for the Whites in this important test.

After every international break this season, Osijek came out better and continued the championship with a victory. It's already happened twice this season, could it happen a third time? The defeat against Hajduk in Poljud was a turning point for the White and Blues because after that the season completely turned around for them. Of course, for the better. Osijek then and Osijek today aren’t the same team. Osijek have 3 wins in a row at home, but in my opinion, Hajduk are closer to winning in this match. Both teams are playing offensive football so I can see them both scoring at least a goal each in this derby.