The first qualifying round in the Europa League is coming! While in some pairings, the starting point is more balanced, in others, the favorite roles are clearly occupied. In the match between Malta’s Gzira United and Hajduk Split from Croatia, the latter club is clearly in favor of reaching the next qualifying round. Already at the first leg threatens in Malta a shooter of the Croats. At Gzira United against Hajduk Split, a tip to existing odds on a handicap victory of the guests with at least three goals difference rewarded lucrative.
Even a goal by the Maltese club against Hajduk Split would be a surprise. Anything but a Gzira United vs. Hajduk Split forecast on the score can not be given. After the partially weak preparation of the Croatians, it remains to be seen how Hajduk Split will present in the first competitive game of the new season. The first leg between the two clubs will take place at the Centenary Stadium in Ta ‘Qali. The match will be kicked off by Israeli referee Leibovitz on Tuesday evening at 17:00.
Gzira United:
Gzira United have qualified for the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League for the second year running. Last season, Gzira took a lucrative third place in the series for the second time in a row and now faces Hajduk Split in the first qualifying round. In the only preliminary match against the Maltese champions Valletta Gzira won a 3-1 win in the test match.
Last season, Gzira United was one of the strongest teams in the league and lost only two of the 26 league games. Behind reigning champions Valletta, Gzira United was the league’s strongest home team. Seasonally Gzira has lost in the Maltese Premier League only one of the last 26 home games. However, Gzira United will have to go above and beyond in order to achieve a sense of achievement against Hajduk Split at home.
Gzira United did well at home in the Europa League qualifier against Radnicki Nis last year. However, the Serbs already arrived with a 4-0 victory in the first leg and played with the reserve players against the Maltese. The main focus of coach Jesmond Zerafa will be on his own defensive. Whether or not Gzira United will be able to keep up with the Croatian offensive throughout the game and possibly score with a luckypunch remains questionable, especially as the qualitative difference between the two clubs is huge. Even a scoring of the home side will be rewarded at Gzira United against Hajduk Split with very high odds.
Hajduk Split:
Hajduk Split is one of the most successful Croatian teams in the league behind Dinamo Zagreb. For some years Hajduk lags behind the expectations, which is why the renewed right to start the Europa League qualification this year was also gratefully received. For several years Hajduk Split can not participate in the championship race of the Croatian 1.HNL.
Last season, Hajduk Split recorded a score of 17-11-8. After a bad first round, the club increased on the edge of the holiday paradise in the second half of the season. In the second round, the “Bili” took 39 points and was one of the strongest Croatian team behind Dinamo Zagreb. Especially at home, Hajduk Split presented very strong and lost only one of the last 13 home games. Preparations for the new competitive season are already in full swing. So far, there was not really convincing performances of the “Bili”. After the Testspielpleiten against Aluminij and Slask Wroclaw Hajduk Split could not prevail in the dress rehearsal before the EL qualification.
The team around coach Sinisa Orescanin still has more individual quality than Gzira United. Attacking player Mijo Caktas was the most dangerous player in the last 1st HNL season, scoring a total of 26 points in 28 appearances. Also the Brazilian Jairo da Silva caused a sensation on the wings and had besides his 13 goals also eight assists to show. In the first leg against Gzira United Orescanin is expected to send his best starting eleven on the pitch. With a comfortable first leg result, Hajduk Split can then rotate at will at home.
