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HNK Hajduk Split will welcome Pafos FC to the Stadion Poljud on Thursday for the first leg of the UEFA Europa League qualifiers.
The Croatian powerhouse are looking to progress to the league phase of the competition, having made it to the second qualification round.
Meanwhile, the ambitious Cypriot outfit, led by newly appointed Ricardo Sa Pinto, hopes to secure a vital away advantage in their first competitive games.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Hajduk Split vs. Pafos key stats
- Hajduk Split's five-game winning streak came to an end in the Europa League second leg clash against MSK Zilina.
- Pafos FC have failed to keep a clean sheet in three of their last four games across all competitions.
- Pafos have not been at their best, failing to win in their last three friendly games.
Hajduk Split vs. Pafos preview: Battle for league phase spot
Hajduk Split vs. Pafos — Tale of the Tape
| Hajduk Split | vs | Pafos |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd | Position | 4th |
| 68 | Points | 62 |
| 61 | Goals For | 66 |
| 36 | Goals Against | 38 |
| 14 | Clean Sheets | 15 |
| 2nd/2nd | Home / Away Rank | 4th/4th |
Hajduk Split secured their European spot after finishing second in the HNL last season behind Dinamo Zagreb.
The hosts have already overcome the first qualifying round, defeating Slovakian outfit Zilina 3-2 on aggregate after winning the first leg 2-0 at home before narrowly losing 2-1 away.
Although their domestic season has yet to begin, Gonzalo Garcia's side have looked sharp during pre-season.
They have claimed three consecutive friendly victories before successfully qualifying for the second round of the Europa League.
They will now be hoping to carry that momentum into the first leg encounter against Pafos and will look to take an advantage into the second leg.
Pafos, meanwhile, qualified for the qualifying round of the Europa League after lifting the Cypriot Cup with a 2-0 victory over Apollon Limassol in May.
Following their qualification, the Blue and Whites have begun preparation for the qualifying rounds and domestic campaign.
Although results have been mixed for the Cypriot outfit, who have recorded one win, one draw and two defeats during pre-season, most recently losing 3-2 to Slovan Bratislava.
However, they will look to end their poor run of form in the first leg clash against Hajduk Split, knowing that a positive result will boost their chances in the second leg.
Hajduk Split vs. Pafos form guide & betting tips
| Hajduk Split | vs | Pafos |
|---|---|---|
WWWWL |
Form | WWDLL |
| 9 | Goals For | 6 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 5 |
WL |
Europa League qualification | NA |
Whispers predicts: Hajduk Split 2-0 Pafos
HNK Hajduk Split are in better form ahead of this first leg encounter with Pafos and have better European experience.
While the hosts suffered a setback in their previous away fixture against Zilina, their performance at the Stadion Poljud in the first leg was highly impressive.
On the other hand, Pafos are still adjusting to the tactical demands of their new head coach, Sa Pinto, and will hope to end their three-game winless streak.
The bookmakers have seen Hajduk Split as the favourites to win at 6/5 (2.20) odds, reflecting their home advantage and strong form.
A draw is currently valued at 23/10 (3.30), while an away victory is priced at 9/4 (3.25), showing they are the underdogs.
The option for under 2.5 goals is set at 8/13 (1.62), while both teams to score (no) is valued at 4/5 (1.80). The home team's total goals (over 1.5) are also offered at 11/8 (2.38).
> Home to win at 6/5 (2.20) | Likelihood: Possible
> Under 2.5 goals at 8/13 (1.62) | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score – No at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Probable
> Home team total goals (over 1.5) at 11/8 (2.38) | Likelihood: Possible