- Home form: HNK Hajduk Split are unbeaten at home in all competitions this season (Won 4, Drawn 2).
- Away form: AFC Ajax are unbeaten away from home in all competitions this season (Won 4, Drawn 1).
- Goalscoring: Hajduk are averaging 2.50 goals scored per home game.
Hajduk looking to make it interesting
Match context
The HNK Hajduk Split and AFC Ajax clash at Stadion Poljud on Thursday will be a serious matchup, and not just because the UEFA Conference League – League Stage 2026-2027 is the top level for both clubs on the continent right now. Hajduk are enjoying a mixed run of form in the HNL 2026/2027 and will do everything they can to make this a tough night for their visitors.
Tactics and recent form
Gonzalo Garcia has overseen a very good start to his tenure at Hajduk, building on the structure and positional organisation from his 4-2-3-1 system and using the flexibility to drop into a 3-4-3 when necessary. Bili have been excellent in all competitions this term (Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 1), looking solid at the back, but with enough of a goal threat in front of them to get the job done.
Michele Sego has been particularly impressive, scoring four of his side's nine goals over the last five matches, but they've not been perfect. A 1-0 home win over Slaven Belupo was followed by a 3-0 defeat to Rijeka just a week prior, so there is some inconsistency to keep in mind.
Ajax are the clear favorites
The Spaniard wants his side to be as compact as possible in defence, while they'll apply pressure in numbers to try and create turnovers. Their tempo is high, looking to get on the ball and attack quickly, which should make for an intriguing matchup between these sides.
- As a result, it is the Godenzonen who come into this one as the 1.41 favourites.
- A 5-1 victory over Willem II was followed by a 2-2 draw against Excelsior, and although that's a solid run of three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five, it hasn't been spectacular.
- Míchel took charge of Ajax on 30 June 2026 and has brought some serious quality to the squad, as well as his own unique tactical approach.
Going for goals
Hajduk's more measured approach means that this game should be a real chess match, with Ajax looking to push the pace and score early, and Hajduk looking to remain compact and punish gaps. Ajax are the favourites but they'll have to work for this one.
The 6.8 on Hajduk is huge, but I'm going for over 2.5 goals at 1.57 as that suits the visitors' game and both teams to score at 1.7 also looks good given the intensity of the game.
