Istra 1961 vs HNK Hajduk Split

<div> <h3>Istra 1961 vs Hajduk Split: Cagey Chess Match Expected in Pula</h3> <p>Stadion Aldo Drosina hosts a pivotal HNL clash as fifth-placed Istra welcome title-chasing Hajduk Split. With both sides trending toward low-event football and the visitors missing key firepower, the stage is set for a tactical battle likely decided after the break.</p> <h4>Team News and Narrative</h4> <p>Istra report a clean bill of health and continuity in selection—ideal for a side that’s built a strong home platform (3 wins and a draw from four). Hajduk, meanwhile, travel without several important pieces: star forward Marko Livaja remains sidelined, as do Abdoulie Sanyang, Bruno Durdov, and Marino Skelin. The absences shift creative and finishing burden to Rokas Pukštas, Michele Šego, and set-piece/penalty threat Yassine Benrahou. Supporters and local media have labeled this a potential “banana skin” for a Hajduk squad under pressure to keep pace at the top.</p> <h4>Form and Tactical Tendencies</h4> <p>Istra’s home numbers tell the story: 2.50 PPG, 1.50 scored and only 0.75 conceded per game, with clean sheets in half their matches. Notably, every Istra home goal has arrived after the interval—proof of patience and improved second-half execution. Hajduk’s away data is even more stark: two wins and a defeat with an average of just 1.67 total goals per game, 67% clean sheets away, and zero BTTS on their travels. The Split side defend superbly (0.78 GA overall; 0.67 away) and rarely get dragged into shootouts—especially without Livaja.</p> <h4>Key Battlegrounds</h4> <ul> <li>Set Pieces and Penalties: Benrahou is a reliable dead-ball and penalty taker; without Livaja, Hajduk may lean heavier on restarts.</li> <li>Wide Channels: Fran Karačić’s two-way influence is growing; he’ll test Istra’s left, while Istra’s overlapping fullbacks (Kadušić/Heister) look to target space behind Hajduk’s wide men.</li> <li>Midfield Control: Pukštas’s box-to-box output and late runs will be crucial, opposed by Istra’s gritty axis of Radošević and Maurić. Expect Istra to funnel play and break in numbers after halftime.</li> </ul> <h4>Goal Timing and Game Flow</h4> <p>The data converges on a quiet first half and more eventful second half. Istra’s 100% second-half scoring at home and Hajduk’s 71% of goals after the break align. The first 45 minutes should be defined by risk management and compact shapes, with the contest opening up as legs tire and managers turn to benches.</p> <h4>What the Odds Say</h4> <p>Markets are still shading Hajduk as road favorites (around 2.10), but the more compelling value sits in totals and timing. Under 2.25 at 1.75 prices a low-scoring script; “BTTS No” at 1.75 mirrors Hajduk’s 0% BTTS away to date. The 2nd half to be the highest scoring at 2.25 is supported by both clubs’ late-goal profiles. Istra’s double chance at 1.67 recognizes home strength and Hajduk’s missing attackers without overcommitting against the league’s best defense.</p> <h4>Prediction</h4> <p>A grinding, detail-oriented match with few chances. The Oracle projects a narrow margin either way, with the draw and a 1-0 either side sitting on the most likely branch. Expect the breakthrough, if any, after halftime. Keep an eye on Pukštas’s late runs and Istra’s impact men like Bangura as the game stretches.</p> <h4>Projected Score Range</h4> <p>0-0 at halftime; final 0-0, 1-0, or 0-1.</p> </div>