/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballwhispers.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F10%2Fimago1083243656h-e1791932064434.jpg)
Hajduk Split and Ajax kick off their 2026-27 Europa Conference League campaigns with a meeting at Stadion Poljud on Thursday.
Neither side has featured in Europe’s newest club competition before this season, and both will be hoping to enjoy a deep run in their maiden appearance.
Read our Hajduk Split vs Ajax prediction, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Hajduk Split vs. Ajax key stats
- Hajduk Split have been ahead at half time in seven of their last nine matches.
- Ajax have conceded in each of their last five games.
- Nine of Ajax’s last 10 matches have produced three or more goals.
Hajduk Split vs. Ajax preview: De Godenzonen to edge narrow win
Hajduk Split vs. Ajax — Tale of the Tape
| Hajduk Split | vs | Ajax |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (HNL) | Position | 5th (Eredivisie) |
| 19 | Points | 15 |
| 18 | Goals For | 22 |
| 9 | Goals Against | 10 |
| 4 | Clean Sheets | 2 |
| 2nd | Home / Away Rank | 3rd |
Hajduk Split achieved their highest league finish since 2023 last season, finishing runners-up to Dinamo Zagreb as Gonzalo Garcia enjoyed a highly successful debut campaign after succeeding now-Lazio boss Gennaro Gattuso.
Their reward was a place in the Europa League qualifiers, where Hajduk Split participated for nine consecutive years between 2011 and 2020, though they failed to reach the group stages each time.
Following a 4-2 aggregate defeat to Pafos, the Masters from the Sea once again suffered disappointment in their quest for a place in Europe’s secondary competition, but had the consolation of qualifying for the continent’s third-tier tournament this time around by overcoming Rakow in the playoffs.
As a result, Hajduk have ended a 15-season drought without European group-stage football, marking another step in the right direction under the promising Garcia.
An opening assignment against Ajax – one of the most decorated clubs among current Conference League teams – offers little room for a sluggish start, but Hajduk have every reason to feel confident on home turf.
Saturday’s 2-1 win over Dinamo marked a fourth consecutive home triumph for Thursday’s hosts, who have scored two or more goals in 10 of their last 11 matches at Stadion Poljud.
Unlike their upcoming opponents, Ajax were never in contention for a Europa League berth and began this season with a Conference League group-stage spot as a primary objective in Michel’s debut campaign.
Michel’s men breezed through three qualifying rounds by a combined score of 22-10, defeating Vojvodina, Shelbourne, and Sion. Unsurprisingly, they are among the favourites to go all the way in the Conference League’s sixth edition since its inception in 2021.
After ending August with three consecutive wins, De Godenzonen have endured a mixed run over their last five outings – winning two, losing one, and drawing two – the most recent being a 1-1 stalemate with NEC, which saw the Amsterdam giants drop points for the second game in a row.
Since suffering a 5-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last November, Thursday’s visitors have fared well on the continent away from home, winning four of five matches, with August’s 2-2 draw against Shelbourne the only exception.
With three goals and one assist in the playoffs, Tolu Arokodare was instrumental in Ajax’s Conference League qualification and has impressed throughout the season, making the Nigerian one to watch.
Hajduk Split vs. Ajax form guide & betting tips
| Hajduk Split | vs | Ajax |
|---|---|---|
W
W
L
W
W
|
Form |
L
W
W
D
D
|
| 8 | Goals For | 14 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 8 |
N/A |
Conference League |
N/A
|
Whispers predicts: Hajduk Split 1-2 Ajax
With the likes of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Julian Brandt in their ranks, Ajax boast significant European experience, and we are backing them to edge an away win at 1/2 (1.50).
Given their defensive frailties, the Eredivisie side are unlikely to keep a clean sheet, making BTTS – Yes at 36/50 (1.72) a safe pick.
Michele Sego has scored in each of Hajduk's last four continental outings, and with the striker priced at 10/3 (4.33) to find the net here, backing him could prove worthwhile.
> Match result — Ajax to win at 1/2 (1.50) | Likelihood: Likely
> BTTS – Yes at 36/50 (1.72) | Likelihood: Probable
> Michele Sego to score anytime at 10/3 (4.33) | Likelihood: Outsider