Žilina vs Hajduk prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
In the Europa League qualification round of 16, the return leg between Žilina and Hajduk will take place on July 16, 2026. Everything was decided last Thursday.
Žilina vs Hajduk: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from Žilina finished second in 2024/2025/2026 but then slipped to fourth place. However, they compensated for this with a new national cup victory. This summer, though, they alternated between draws and losses.
The team from Split was unable to compete with Dinamo Zagreb last season. Still, they convincingly claimed the runner-up spot. In friendlies, they also secured wins—against Shkëndija, LNZ Cherkasy, and Celje.
In Croatia, Brajković opened the scoring in the middle of the first half. After the break, he provided an assist, sealing a 2-0 final result. So now, the intrigue is minimal: the visitors only need to avoid a heavy defeat, and even a draw is enough for them to advance to the next round of this European qualifier.
Previous Matches: Žilina vs Hajduk
In 2009, the teams already met in the UEFA Cup. The Slovaks held to a draw at home and then claimed a narrow away victory.
The visitors can play for a draw or even afford a narrow defeat. However, they are clearly stronger and in excellent form—so the recommendation is to back them to win away with a "zero" handicap (odds – 1.68).
Žilina vs Hajduk: Key Stats and Trends
- Žilina have not won in their last seven matches
- The club averaged 1.84 goals scored per match and conceded 1.28
- Hajduk have won their last five matches
- The team scored an average of 1.69 goals while conceding one per game
Žilina vs Hajduk: Probable Starting Lineups
Žilina are expected to play a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible lineup): Badjgon – Narimanidze, Kasha, Palishchak – Bari, Hranitsa, Bzdyl, Kacher – Kosha, Fashko – Roginich
Hajduk are likely to play a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Silic – Hrgovic, van Horenbek, Maresic, Akapandje – Pukštas, Payaziti – Melnyak, Dalisson de Almeida, Brajković – Šego
Place your bet on the upcoming match and follow the team's progress in the Europa League qualification standings
