Zalgiris have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the qualifiers this season, their last three games totaling 19 goals. Hajduk Split rarely keep their net intact, so I am predicting a high-scoring clash at Poljud.
Key Stats
- Hajduk Split have seen over 3.5 goals in 3 of their last 4 matches.
- Zalgiris have seen over 3.5 goals in 4 of their last 5 matches.
Just One H2H Meeting so Far
Last week’s clash in Lithuania was the first head to head match between Hajduk Split and Zalgiris.
Mixed Results for Hajduk This Season
Hajduk Split had one of their best European performances ever in recent history last week in Lithuania, beating Zalgiris 5-2 and making a huge step towards the Conference League qualifying playoffs.
They fired 21 shots total, while Michele Sego bagged a brace in the first half and missed a penalty. Adrion Pajaziti, Rokas Pukstas and Dalisson de Almeida also appeared on the scoresheet.
The Whites started their European journey in the UEL, eliminating Zilina 3-2 on aggregate before losing to Pafos 4-2 on aggregate (won the first tie at home 2-0).
Performances in the Croatian top flight have been underwhelming so far, losing 2-1 to Varazdin while last weekend’s home clash against Istra ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw.
Zalgiris Facing an Uphill Battle in Split
Zalgiris pulled a miraculous comeback in the previous qualifying round. After losing the first tie to Dinamo Tbilisi 3-0 in Georgia, they won 7-2 in front of the home crowd to advance.
Last week’s clash against Hajduk Split was also very entertaining to watch, but their back line looked poor, resulting in a heavy 5-2 loss.
The Green and Whites are currently 4th in the Lithuanian top flight with 34 points after 21 matches, just three behind the leaders Kauno Zalgiris. Their most recent appearance was a 3-2 road win over Hegelmann.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Hajduk Split (4-2-3-1) Toni Silic; Mathieu Acapandie, Dario Maresic, Alec Van Hoorenbeeck, Dario Melnjak; Niko Sigur, Adrion Pajaziti; Abdoulie Sanyang, Rokas Pukstas, Marin Soticek; Michele Sego
Roko Brajkovic is the only absentee for the home side due to an injury.
Roko Brajkovic is the only absentee for the home side due to an injury.
Zalgiris (4-2-3-1) Vilius Sarkauskas; Deividas Sesplaukis, Joris Lupano, Petar Bosancic, David Franke; Joel Bopesu, Ihor Lytvynenko; Paulius Golubickas, Stanislav Bilenkyi, Bryan Teixeira; Nikola Petkovic
Zalgiris have no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of this clash.