Hajduk vs Žilina prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, July 9, 2026
Europa League
In the Europa League qualification round of 16 on July 9, 2026, the first match between Hajduk and Žilina will take place. The hosts want to defeat their neighbor.
Hajduk vs Žilina: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from Split lagged far behind the local giant, Dinamo Zagreb, last season, but still finished second ahead of all others. In recent friendlies, they managed to secure three wins—against Shkëndija, LNZ, and Celje.
The team from Žilina dropped from second to fourth place in the 2025/2026 season. However, they won the cup, which made the season undoubtedly successful. Still, their recent games have ended only in draws, and during summer friendlies, they have yet to secure a win. They only lost once, to Dynamo Kyiv—ending 0-2 in June. Against other opponents—Opava, Odra, and Pardubice—they recorded draws, ranging from dull 0-0 results to entertaining 2-2 matches.
The Croatians are rather pragmatic: scoring an average of 1.69 goals and conceding exactly one per game. The Slovaks play slightly more entertaining football: they manage to score 1.84 goals per match, but also concede 1.28 on average.
Previous Matches: Hajduk vs Žilina
The clubs met in the UEFA Cup qualifiers in the summer of 2009. After a 1-1 draw in Slovakia, the visitors narrowly won in Croatia and advanced to the next round.
It is unlikely that the football will be more spectacular this time. We predict that once again there will be "under 2.5 total goals scored" (odds – 1.69).
Hajduk vs Žilina: Key Statistics and Trends
- Hajduk has won all four of their last matches
- Žilina has not won in their last three consecutive games
Hajduk vs Žilina: Probable Starting Lineups
Hajduk plays in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Ivusic – Hrgovic, Maresic, Grabic, Hodak – Pajaziti, Guillamón – Guram, Almena, Brajkovic – Šego
Žilina plays in a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible lineup): Svaček – Bari, Minarik, Kasha, Svoboda – Florea, Bzdyl, Káčer, Santo – Faško, Juliš
Place your bet on the upcoming match and follow the team's performance in the Europa League qualification group standings
