Betting Tip
MSK Zilina earned the right to play in UEFA Europa League qualifying by beating FC Kosice in the Slovak Cup final (3:1), rather than through their league finish. Their preparations for the season have not been straightforward: in their four most recent friendlies before the first match against HNK Hajduk Split, the team failed to win, recording one defeat and three draws. Their main attacking hope is Michal Fasko, the top scorer not only for the club but in the entire previous Slovak league season with 14 goals. Whether the team can mount a comeback in front of their own fans will depend on his finishing.
HNK Hajduk Split went into the first match in excellent shape: three wins in friendlies without conceding a goal, including a heavy victory over Macedonian side Shkendija Tetovo (4:0). The match in Split followed the hosts' script: Roko Brajkovic's goal in the 22nd minute and Dalisson de Almeida's precise finish early in the second half killed off the intrigue. Abdoulie Sanyang, who missed the first match through suspension, should return to the squad for the second leg.
Making up two goals away from home is a task within reach of few teams at this level, especially given that MSK Zilina went into the first match in frankly modest form, while HNK Hajduk Split have been going through pre-season without conceding. In the second leg, the visitors will repeat the first-match script: they will play solidly in defence and at least avoid defeat, while MSK Zilina do not have the strength to complete a comeback.