HNK Hajduk Split vs Istra 1961 Prediction

The fortress of Poljud awaits, where HNK Hajduk Split has built walls of victory. Second in the HNL they stand, with 37 points from 18 battles. Close behind leaders Dinamo Zagreb, they are. At home, formidable they have been: 80 percent wins from their last five home contests, scoring 2.20 goals per game while conceding a mere 0.40. Clean sheets in four of their last ten outings, they have kept. Their recent path shows five consecutive victories, including a 2-0 win over Široki Brijeg, a 4-0 thrashing of Posušje, and league triumphs over Vukovar (2-1) and NK Lokomotiva Zagreb (3-1). A single blemish mars their record—a heavy 5-0 defeat to HNK Rijeka in November. But since then, stronger they have grown.

Istra 1961 comes, sitting fourth with 26 points. An attacking force they are, averaging 2.30 goals across their last ten matches. On the road, even more potent they become, netting 2.25 per game. Yet a shield they lack. In those same ten games, not a single clean sheet have they kept. Both teams have scored in nine of those ten encounters—a 90 percent rate. Their recent journey shows both brilliance and fragility: a 5-1 demolition of NK Osijek and a 3-1 victory at NK Varazdin display their threat. But a 2-1 loss to HNK Rijeka just days ago reveals their vulnerability.

When these two last met in October, a 3-0 victory for Hajduk it was. In nine historical clashes, Hajduk has won four, drawn four, and lost only once. At home against Istra, their record reads two wins, one draw, one defeat. The data speaks: Hajduk controls possession (59 percent average), fires more shots (13.57 per game), and passes with greater accuracy (82.6 percent). Istra, meanwhile, is more efficient in front of goal, converting 40.1 percent of shots on target compared to Hajduk's 34.1 percent.

Eight days of rest Hajduk has enjoyed; Istra has had but five. Fresh legs may favor the hosts. The trends whisper: Hajduk's form is improving in goals scored, goals conceded, and points. Istra's attack improves, but their defence declines, and their points trend falls.

Key Points:

• Hajduk Split is undefeated in their last five matches (all wins).

• Istra 1961 has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last ten games.

• Both teams have scored in 90% of Istra's last ten matches.

• Hajduk averages 2.20 goals per game at home; Istra averages 2.25 goals per game away.

• The last head-to-head meeting ended 3-0 to Hajduk in October 2025.

• Hajduk has a strong historical edge with 4 wins and 4 draws in 9 meetings.

In the balance of the force, this match lies. Attack, Istra will bring. Defend stoutly, Hajduk will try. But through even the strongest wall, a persistent stream can find a way. The market offers 2.00 for both teams to score. Given Istra's relentless scoring and Hajduk's occasional defensive lapse—remember the 5-0—value here I see.