HNK Hajduk Split host Dinamo Zagreb at Poljud on Saturday in a direct clash for the top of the HNL table, with the visitors facing significant squad issues. Dinamo will be without suspended captain Josip Mišić and injured midfielder Luka Stojković, forcing coach Mario Kovačević to make changes to his lineup.
Kovačević has announced he is considering several options for the starting eleven. "The biggest derby in Croatian football is getting closer, and Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević is still considering several options for the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's visit to Hajduk at Poljud," the coach said. The closest replacement for Mišić in midfield is Kravcov, who impressed in the cup win against Vukovar. Stojković's place, with his foot injury still uncertain, could be taken by Luka Ivanušec, moved from the wing to the centre.
Valinčić is expected to start at right-back, McKenna and Dominguez in central defence, and Perez Vinlöf on the left side. Ahead of them, alongside Ivanušec and Kravcov, Kačavenda has the selection advantage over Zajc. The wings should feature Lisica on the right and former Hajduk player Almena on the left, with Beljo likely to lead the attack. Goalkeeper Kotarski is confirmed to start. Coach Kovačević will probably leave Oršić, Galešić and likely Zajc on the bench, with the final decision to be made before the match.
For Hajduk, currently 4th in the HNL with 10 points from 5 games, this is a chance to close in on the top. The points gap among the top five teams is very small, and a draw at Poljud could allow Osijek, Varaždin or Rijeka to climb to the summit. Before that, the Whites will host Ajax in the first leg of the Conference League just five days after the derby. Dinamo, meanwhile, will play the second leg of their Europa League tie against Anderlecht at Maksimir on Sunday. Both teams are also monitoring the treatment room, with a detailed overview available on the injuries page. Meteorologists are also forecasting heavy rain in Split on Saturday, which could affect the playing conditions.
First reported at sportklub.hr
