Hajduk Split vs Paphos FC Prediction - Soccer News

Hajduk Split vs Paphos FC Prediction - Soccer News

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Hajduk Split have been showing strong performances in recent home games and key players such as Mikel Sego are expected to lead the attack. This match will be an important opportunity for Hajduk to prove its competitiveness in the Europa League.

Why it's important

The match between Hajduk Split and Paphos FC is an important first step towards qualifying for the Europa League, with the home team having the opportunity to take the advantage. This match could have a huge impact on Hajduk's prospects for the season, with their experience in European competitions likely to have a positive impact on the team's confidence.

Key takeaways

• Hajduk Split vs Paphos FC Prediction - Soccer News.
• Hajduk Split and Paphos FC meet in the Europa League qualifiers.
• Prediction: Hajduk Split vs Pafos FC - SoccerNews.

Hajduk Split and Paphos FC face off at Stadion Poljud on Thursday evening for the first match of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League second qualifying round. Hajduk Split qualified for this stage after beating Zilina 3-2 in the previous round, while Paphos qualified for the competition having won the Cyprus Cup last season. **Prediction:** Hajduk Split win **Highest Odds:** 59/50 **Bookmaker:** [1xBet](https://www.soccernews.com/prediction-hajduk-split-vs-pafos-fc/402256/) Hajduk Split has a home advantage and a good chance of taking control before the return match. Coach Gonzalo Garcia's team had a tougher match than expected in the previous round. Hajduk won the first match 2-0, but lost the second match 2-1 in Slovakia, but advanced on aggregate score. Losing the second game wasn't ideal, but it had already tested enough competitiveness over the summer. Hajduk has a record of winning at home by at least 2 goals in the last 3 games. Poljude can be a difficult venue for visiting teams in European qualifiers, where the atmosphere and intensity are as important as the sheer squad quality of the team. Hajduk also has enough offensive options to cause problems. Mikel Sego is expected to lead the attack, having scored 13 goals last season, while Loko Vrajkovic and Dario Melnyak will provide support on the wings. Dalison may return to the starting lineup after appearing as a substitute in the second half of the game against Slovakia. Hajduk needs to prove that he can cleanly manage a match like this. The loss in Slovakia showed that if a team loses focus, they can lose control. The game against Paphos could be a risk, with Paphos having more European experience than many teams entering this stage. ### Hajduk Split Team News Coach Garcia is expected to continue using the 4-2-3-1 tactic. This tactic worked well against Zilina, and Hajduk will look to dominate the area from the start. Ivan Cilic is expected to play as goalkeeper, and Mathieu Akapandi, Dominik Maresic, Alec van Hurenvik, and Simun Hrgovic are likely to form the defense. Van Huerenvik made a good impression by scoring against Žilina. Lokas Fuchstas and Abdulli Hunt Fayaziti could play roles in midfield. It is important for them to protect the defense and move the ball quickly to deal with the Paphos team's technical players. Mikel Sego is expected to lead the attack, with Vrajkovic, Dali and Melnyak supporting it. Nico Sigur has returned from World Cup duty with the Canadian national team, but his availability is uncertain as he missed the two games against Zilina. ### Paphos FC Paphos FC is a dangerous opponent even if Hajduk is evaluated as advantageous in the market. The Cypriot club has grown rapidly in recent years and has already gained valuable European experience. In the 2024/25 season, they advanced to the round of 16 of the Europa Conference League, and last season they played in the Champions League league stage. This experience can be of great help in qualifying matches, especially if the first match is away. But rhythm is the problem. Paphos have not played a competitive match for almost two months, with their last official match being in the Cyprus Cup final. The visiting team also showed an imbalance in their preparation for the season, recording only one win out of four friendlies. Hajduk will require sharper physical and emotional preparation. If Paphos starts slowly, they may have to spend a lot of time defending around their own box. Paphos still possesses individual quality. David Luiz is expected to lead the defense, with Lere expected to step up as a central attacking option. Additionally, players such as Guga, Murad Mamadov, Haralampos Kyriakidis and Mihailis Papastillianu joined in the summer transfer window. ### Paphos FC team news Coach Sa Pinto is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, which will give Paphos a tight base and plenty of attacking support behind Lere. Charalampos Kyriakidis is likely to play as goalkeeper, while Bruno, David Luiz, David Goldar and Nicolas Ioannou will make up the defense. David Luiz's experience could be important in managing the atmosphere in Poljude. Pepe and Ivan Sundzic are available in midfield, an area that should not allow Hajduk to control secondary balls and apply prolonged pressure. Zaza, Vlad Dragomir, and Viel can support Lere. For Paphos to achieve positive results, they need to provide these players with ways to escape pressure and prevent Hajduk from defending too high up the pitch. ### Key considerations for Hajduk Split vs Paphos FC * Hajduk Split defeated Zilina 3-2 in the previous round. * Hajduk has won all of its last three games at home by two or more goals. * Paphos has not played a competitive match for almost two months. * Paphos recorded only one win out of four friendly matches. * Paphos has relatively strong recent European experience. * This is the first competitive meeting between Hajduk Split and Paphos FC. * The first match takes place in Poljud, and Hajduk has a chance to gain the upper hand before the trip to Cyprus. ### conclusion Paphos should not be underestimated. The Cyprus team has recent European experience, an experienced manager and a number of players who can delay the game when needed. David Luiz and Sunjic will provide the maturity to handle pressure better. Hajduk still seems like a better choice. The Croatian team has already played two competitive European matches this summer and will be sharper in Poljud as they have a strong home record. The atmosphere will also help Garcia's team start with stronger focus. This game could be closer than just a home win, especially since Paphos has the experience to keep it in the game. Nonetheless, given Hajduk's home advantage and competitive rhythm, the hosts are most likely to win the first match.

future outlook

Hajduk Split desperately need a win in their first match against Paphos FC to pave the way for Europa League qualification and progress to the next round. On the other hand, Paphos FC is expected to attempt a counterattack based on their experience in European competitions, and the match between the two teams will have a significant impact on the development of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the result of the match between Hajduk Split and Paphos FC?

The results of the match have not yet been announced.

How is Hajduk Split's recent performance?

Hajduk Split have always won by at least 2 goals at home in their last 3 matches.

When is the next match between Hajduk Split and Paphos FC?

The next match, the first of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League second qualifying round, takes place on Thursday evening.

How was Hajduk Split's progression to the Europa League?

Hajduk Split qualified for this stage after beating Žilina 3-2 in the previous round.

What is Paphos FC’s experience in European competitions like?

Paphos FC have grown rapidly in recent years and have qualified for the last 16 of the Europa Conference League and the Champions League league stage.

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