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Zilina face a huge task when they welcome Hajduk Split to Stadion pod Dubnom in the second leg of their Europa League first qualifying-round tie on Thursday, with a place in the next round at stake.
The Slovak Cup winners suffered a 2-0 defeat in Croatia last week and now need a special performance in front of their home supporters to overturn the deficit.
Hajduk, meanwhile, are firmly in control of the tie and will be confident of finishing the job after an impressive first-leg display.
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.
Zilina vs Hajduk Split key stats
- Zilina are without a win in their last five matches (including friendlies).
- Hajduk Split have won their last four matches (including friendlies).
- Each of last five Zilian's matches has produced 10.5 corners.
Zilina vs Hajduk Split preview: Draw on the cards?
Zilina vs Hajduk Split — Tale of the Tape
| Zilina | vs | Hajduk Split |
|---|---|---|
| NA | Position | NA |
| NA | Points | NA |
| NA | Goals For | NA |
| NA | Goals Against | NA |
| NA] | Clean Sheets | NA |
| NA/NA | Home / Away Rank | NA/NA |
Zilina finished fourth in the Slovak Super Liga last season before securing a Europa League berth by lifting the Slovak Cup.
The Slovak outfit have struggled to make an impact in Europe in recent years, and their hopes of progressing are hanging by a thread after a 2-0 defeat in the first leg against Hajduk Split.
Pavol Stano's side endured a difficult pre-season, failing to win any of their four friendly matches, including a heavy 5-1 defeat to Dynamo Kyiv.
Zilina is expected to retain their 3-4-3 formation, with the likes of Michal Fasko, Marko Roginic, and Miroslav Kacer all expected to keep their place in the starting XI.
Hajduk Split finished second in the Croatian top flight last season, ending the campaign 18 points behind champions Dinamo Zagreb, winning 20 league matches and scoring 61 goals.
In the previous leg, Roko Brajkovic gave Hajduk the lead before Dajl added a second after the restart, leaving them within touching distance of the next round.
Gonzalo Garcia's men have looked sharp since returning for pre-season, winning all three of their warm-up matches without conceding a goal.
The Hajduk boss is expected to stick with a similar starting XI after last week's convincing display, with Michele Sego and Dalisson likely to start.
Zilina vs Hajduk Split form guide & betting tips
| Zilina | vs | Hajduk Split |
|---|---|---|
L |
Form | W |
| 0 | Goals For | 2 |
| 2 | Goals Against | 0 |
L |
Europa League qualifiers | W |
Whispers predicts: Zilina 1-1 Hajduk Split
Both sides have seen less than three goals in five of their last seven matches, and thus Under 2.5 goals at 19/20 (1.95) looks an attractive option.
Hajduk have scored first in five of their last six matches, and they are priced at 7/8 (1.88) to repeat that feat.
Each of Zilina's last five matches has produced less than 11 corners, and thus Under 10.5 corners at 4/5 (1.8) looks a decent bet.
> Under 2.5 goals at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 8/11 (1.73) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 10.5 corners at 4/5 (1.8) | Likelihood: Probable