Matches between Slovenian and Croatian teams are always intense affairs, but the fact that Domzale and RNK Split are two evenly matched teams makes everything a lot more interesting. The Slovenian side look to be the favourites here considering that they are already in competitive action, but RNK Split will try everything to avoid defeat at Sportni Park.

Domzale won Slovenian Super Cup

Domzale are on the road to establish themselves as one of the best Slovenian sides and last season was a real breakthrough for the Ravbarji. Following the 8th-place finish the previous season, Domzale really impressed last term, finishing the league campaign in 2nd place, just eight points behind champions Maribor. The impressive performances on domestic stage have seen the Ravbarji qualify for this year’s Europa League and they are now determined to do well in Europe. Darko Birjukov’s side are close to their top form as their domestic season has already started, while the 2:1 win over Maribor in the Slovenian Super Cup shows the team are ready for their European exploits. The fact that coach Birjukov rested several key players in that game so as to keep them fresh for the RNK Split match makes the win even more impressive.

Striker Damir Pekic, playmaker Marko Drevensek but captain Rok Handzic is very doubtful.

RNK Split in problems

RNK Split only returned to Croatian top flight last season, having won the second division title in 2010, but they soon showed they will not be pushovers any more. The Reds enjoyed a very good season, finishing the league campaign in third place behind giants Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split, thus qualifying for the Europa League qualifying stages. However, a lot has changes since impressive last season as there are reports that the atmosphere in the team is not nearly as good as last term, which could have something to do with certain changes in the squad. The Reds brought Hrvoje Barisic, Duje Cop and Ivan Baraban, but the new players have yet to show they have the quality to play at this level. With Split’s domestic season not due to start for another ten days, it is more than clear that the team are far from the desired form, as witnessed by their poor performances in friendly games.

Key attacker Josip Serdarusic is set to miss the first part of the season with a knee injury, but all other players are ready for this game.

Verdict

Domzale have high ambitions in Europe this season and the team look to be in very good form, having beaten champions Maribor last weekend to win the Slovenian Super Cup. RNK Split, on the other hand, are far from the competitive form and that could prove to be decisive in this clash.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 2.25 (5/4)

Bookmaker: Ladbrokes