Hajduk Split vs Vukovar 1991: HNL Preview, Form & H2H
Hajduk Split host Vukovar 1991 in a Croatian HNL fixture on Friday evening, with the hosts looking to build momentum after a mixed run of results. Split have won two of their last five matches but suffered defeats in their previous two outings, while Vukovar arrive with a more balanced record across the same period. The head-to-head record strongly favours the hosts, who have won all three of their recent meetings against Vukovar without conceding a draw. This match offers insight into where both clubs stand in the Croatian top division's competitive landscape.
Form Guide: Split Seeking Consistency
HNK Hajduk Split's recent form reads LLDWW in reverse chronological order, indicating a team that has oscillated between positive and negative results. Their two most recent matches ended in defeat, a concerning pattern for a club of Split's stature, though the two wins prior suggest they retain the capacity to perform. Over their last five matches, they have accumulated two victories, two losses, and one draw—a record that places them in an inconsistent position heading into this fixture.
Vukovar 1991, by contrast, show a form line of DDLWD, which reflects greater stability across recent matches. They have recorded two draws and one win in their last five games, with one loss and one draw forming the tail end of their sequence. While neither team has demonstrated sustained winning form, Vukovar's recent record suggests slightly better defensive organisation, having drawn twice in their last five outings compared to Split's single draw. The visitors will take confidence from this steadier approach, though they have yet to string together consecutive victories.
Head-to-Head Record: Hajduk's Dominance
The historical record between these two clubs heavily favours Hajduk Split. In their last three meetings, Split have won all three matches without allowing Vukovar a single draw or victory. This 3-0 record in recent H2H encounters represents a significant psychological advantage for the hosts and suggests a clear tactical or quality gap that has been evident across multiple encounters.
Such a dominant recent record typically reflects either superior squad depth, better tactical execution, or both. For Vukovar, breaking this streak would represent a meaningful achievement and could provide a significant boost to morale and confidence. However, the burden of history weighs heavily in these situations, and Hajduk's players will be aware that they have consistently found a way to overcome their visitors in recent years. The visitors must approach this match with a clear tactical plan designed to disrupt Split's patterns rather than rely on historical precedent.
Tactical Outlook: Split's Home Advantage
Playing at home, Hajduk Split will likely seek to control possession and impose their rhythm on the match early. Their recent form suggests they are capable of creating attacking opportunities, particularly given their two wins in the last five matches. The challenge for Split will be translating their home advantage into a more consistent run of results, as their two most recent defeats indicate defensive vulnerabilities that Vukovar may attempt to exploit.
Vukovar 1991 will probably adopt a more cautious approach, seeking to remain compact and organised defensively while looking for opportunities on the counter-attack. Their recent draws suggest they are comfortable in a defensive shape, and against a Split side that has shown inconsistency, a disciplined approach could yield a positive result. The visitors' ability to limit clear-cut chances while maintaining shape will be crucial, particularly given their poor record in direct H2H encounters. Both teams will be aware that midfield control often determines outcomes in matches of this nature, and whoever dominates that area is likely to dictate the flow of play.
What the Recent Records Tell Us
The data points to a match where Hajduk Split enter as clear favourites based on recent H2H record, home advantage, and their capacity to win matches—evidenced by two victories in their last five games. However, their inconsistency, demonstrated by two consecutive defeats, means they cannot be considered a certainty. Vukovar's steadier recent form and defensive solidity suggest they are capable of frustrating Split, even if their chances of victory appear limited by the historical record.
For neutral observers, this fixture represents a test of whether Hajduk can return to winning ways at home and whether Vukovar can finally break their recent curse against this opponent. The odds market will likely reflect Split's dominance in the H2H record and home advantage, but the visitors' recent form stability means they should not be dismissed. A close match with Split favoured is the most probable outcome, though Vukovar's defensive record suggests they could secure a draw if they execute their gameplan effectively.
Frequently asked questions
When does HNK Hajduk Split vs HNK Vukovar 1991 kick off?
The match kicks off on Friday, May 22, at 16:15 local time.
What is Hajduk Split's recent form?
Hajduk Split's form over their last five matches is LLDWW (reading most recent first), meaning two losses, one draw, and two wins. They have won their last two matches but suffered defeats immediately before that.
What is Vukovar 1991's recent form?
Vukovar 1991's form over their last five matches is DDLWD, comprising two draws, one loss, and one win. They have shown more consistency than Split, with draws in two of their last five outings.
What is the head-to-head record between these teams?
In their last three meetings, Hajduk Split have won all three matches against Vukovar 1991 without conceding a draw or defeat. This gives Split a significant historical advantage heading into this fixture.
Which team is favoured to win?
Hajduk Split are favoured based on their home advantage, superior recent H2H record (3-0 in last three meetings), and their capacity to win matches. However, their inconsistency and recent defeats mean they are not a certainty.
Where to watchWatch this HNL fixture on Friday at 16:15 to see whether Hajduk Split can return to winning form at home or if Vukovar 1991 can finally break their recent curse against the hosts.
AI-assisted analysis based on pre-match form, head-to-head and odds data. Not betting advice.