Hajduk Split have no reason to take risks after building a 2-0 lead in the first leg. Zilina lost just four of their 16 home league games last season, so I am predicting a draw on Thursday.
Key Stats
- Zilina are unbeaten in 8 of their last 11 home matches.
- Hajduk Split have drawn 3 of their last 4 away matches.
This Will be Their Fourth Head to Head Clash
Head to head stats are tied at 1-1 in terms of victories.
Zilina Struggled in Pre-Season
Zilina were deservedly beaten by Hajduk Split 2-0 last week in Croatia, registering just one shot on target in this clash.
Their results in the Slovakian top flight were underwhelming last season, finishing 4th while conceding around 1.50 goals per clash, while the biggest success was winning the Slovakian Cup in early May against Kosice 3-1.
Zilina failed to register a single win in pre-season friendlies despite facing some low-profile opposition. Draws were seen against Opava 1-1, Odra Opole 0-0 and Pardubice 2-2, while losing to Dinamo Kiev 2-0.
Hajduk Holding Big Advantage
Hajduk Split had a great start to the new campaign, building a 2-0 advantage over Zilina in the first leg at Poljud last week. Roko Brajkovic broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute then he provided assist for Dalisson de Almeida later who doubled the lead.
Their results and performances in pre-season friendlies were very strong in late June, claiming back to back victories against Shkendija 4-0 and LNZ Cherkasy 1-0.
The Whites made it three in a row in their final test against Slovenian side Celje 1-0, Michele Sego scoring the only goal in the first half.
Team News
Zilina have no reported injuries ahead of this match. Tomas Jasso, Marek Teplan and Rego Szantho left the club during summer, while David Sipos is the only new signing.
Latest reports state Hajduk’s captain Marko Livaja has terrible relations with the head coach Gonzalo Garcia, playing only for four minututes in the first tie. Winger Michele Sego should lead the attack once again.