Liam Duckstein
Two clubs from neighbouring Balkan nations open their pre-season schedules on July 1 at Stadion Z’dežele in Celje, Slovenia. Celje, coached by Vítor Campelos, host Croatian side Hajduk Split, led by Gonzalo García, in what is technically a low-stakes friendly but carries real competitive value as both squads build match sharpness ahead of their respective domestic campaigns. What makes this fixture interesting is the contrast in recent activity: Celje have played just one match in the last 30 days, winning it cleanly, while Hajduk have played twice, winning both, including a resounding 4-0 demolition of Shkendija.
Keep an eye on Hajduk Split’s attacking output. Their 4-0 result against Shkendija signals that their forward line is already clicking, and whoever leads that press will be central to how this match unfolds. On the Celje side, the defensive structure under Campelos has looked composed in recent outings, conceding nothing against Shkendija in their last outing, and a disciplined midfielder anchoring the press will be the player to watch if the hosts want to keep things tight.
Hot stat: Hajduk Split have kept four consecutive clean sheets across their last five matches, conceding zero goals in each of those games while also scoring five across two of those fixtures.
| 🏆 Tournament: | International Club Friendly 2026, July Phase |
| 🏟 Venue: | Stadion Z’dežele, Celje, Slovenia |
| 🗓️ Date: | 01.07.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 18:15 CEST |
Celje vs Hajduk Split Prediction
Hajduk Split arrive as the stronger side on recent form and squad depth. Their 100% record across two matches this month, combined with the manner of their wins, points to a team already in competitive shape. Celje’s form over the last 15 games shows a promising mid-season run followed by a mixed patch, and a single warm-up match is not enough preparation to match Hajduk’s current sharpness.
We predict a Hajduk Split win. The Croatian side’s organisation at the back and efficiency in attack make them the clear pick here. Celje can make it competitive at home, but the gap in recent activity and squad preparation tips the balance toward the visitors.
Both teams have shown caution in recent friendlies, with multiple 0-0 draws in Hajduk’s recent schedule against Lokomotiva Zagreb, Dinamo Zagreb, and Varazdin. Celje similarly drew 0-0 with both Primorje and Koper. This suggests both coaching staffs prioritise defensive shape early in pre-season, which keeps goal totals low. Celje’s tendency to commit fouls and give away set pieces could be a minor concern, but Hajduk’s recent discipline means neither side is likely to push recklessly for high-scoring output.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Hajduk Split to win to nil |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Under 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Celje have shown genuine resilience across the second half of their recent form run, stringing together a long winning sequence before the results levelled off. Their last recorded match was a 1-0 win over Shkendija, a composed and controlled performance against a side that has been inconsistent. Before that, a 0-0 draw with Primorje and another goalless result against Koper suggest the Slovenian side can organise defensively, though their attacking output has been inconsistent. The 5-0 thrashing of Aluminij stands out as an outlier, and a 2-3 loss to Bravo shows vulnerability against higher-ranked opposition. Campelos will want to use this match to sharpen the attack without overexposing the backline.
Hajduk Split have been the more active and productive side this month. Their 4-0 win over Shkendija was clinical, and their 1-0 victory over LNZ came on the same day as Celje’s win over the same Shkendija, which adds a useful point of comparison. Before those results, Hajduk played a series of goalless draws against Lokomotiva Zagreb, Dinamo Zagreb, and Varazdin. Those draws were clearly tactical, with García using them to build fitness and test defensive structures. The fact that Hajduk then shifted gears and scored five goals across two matches shows they can turn it on when the context demands it.
🚨Check out our dedicated Celje vs Hajduk Split stats page for more info.
Possible Starting Lineups
Celje Possible Starting Eleven
- GK: A. Vekić
- DF: N. Šturm, M. Zec, L. Bobičanec, T. Pišek
- MF: J. Brecl, A. Požeg Vancaš, D. Matić, L. Šušnjara
- FW: E. Kouassi, A. Travner
Celje have used a compact 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 shape for much of their recent domestic campaign. Campelos tends to keep a tight defensive block and rely on quick transitions. With limited detailed roster data available, the lineup above reflects the players most associated with the club’s first-team structure. The attacking midfielder role will be key to linking midfield and attack, and whoever fills that position carries the most responsibility for creating chances against a disciplined Hajduk backline.
Hajduk Split Possible Starting Eleven
- GK: Lovre Kalinić
- DF: B. Silic, S. Šimić, I. Durdov, M. Vušković
- MF: M. Erceg, A. Bjelica, I. Dolček, R. Kalik
- FW: M. Livaja, A. Durdov
Hajduk Split typically operate in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system under García. Marko Livaja remains the focal point of their attack and will be the most dangerous player on the pitch if he starts. The defensive unit has been exceptionally tight, and the centre-back pairing will look to neutralise Celje’s forward runners early. Perhaps the most interesting tactical question is how aggressive Hajduk’s press will be given this is still pre-season, but their recent results suggest García is not holding back.
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Hajduk Split. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
TipsGG Match Prediction
Hajduk Split are the pick here. Their recent form, the quality of their wins, and the manner in which they have kept clean sheets across a demanding pre-season schedule all point toward a controlled away victory. Celje are not without quality, and their home record adds a layer of uncertainty, but the Slovenians have had far less match time this month and face a side that already looks match-sharp.
We predict a narrow Hajduk Split win, most likely 1-0 or 2-0, with the under 2.5 goals line and Hajduk to win to nil as the two most solid angles for this fixture. Both coaches will manage minutes and rotations, which keeps the match from becoming a high-scoring affair, but Hajduk’s attacking quality should be enough to find the net at least once.
