It seems everything is set up for the season finale; the big question is who will get the fourth place, leading to Europa League qualifications
It is time for round 30 of the season and it all starst on April 8, 2016. With just seven more left to play, it is probably decided who will be the champion if there was ever a question anyway. Rijeka and Hajduk will get their Europa League spots, Zagreb will be relegated, and Istra is most likely to play the relegation play-off matches against the second placed team from the League two.
The only question left is the last team to get the Europa League spot, as Slaven Belupo has a chance if they win against Dinamo in the final match of the Croatian Football Cup. If Dinamo wins, then the fourth place in the league will be one to get, and at the moment, Lokomotiva and Split are contenders. Both teams are playing tough matches this weekend, but here are all the games previews;
OSIJEK – SPLIT – Osijek – Friday, 18.00 CET
Split needs a win here to stay in battle for the fourth place, and Osijek is still not safe to avoid the relegation play-offs. Split has a tight defense, and Osijek is not likely to risk too much, so even a draw would not be a big surprise, although Split would not be too pleased with that result.
LOKOMOTIVA – SLAVEN BELUPO – Zagreb – Saturday, 15.00 CET
Lokomotiva is the most unpredictable team in the league, and Slaven Belupo is in great shape after trashing favorites Rijeka in the cup game. When the team is relaxed, they can manage a win here, but Lokomotiva should be the most motivated team here. Their hero from the last round, Franko Andrijašević is banned for this match due to yellow cards. One to watch.
RIJEKA – ZAGREB -Rijeka – Saturday, 19.00 CET
Sweet story from Rijeka got a bad twist in the last few weeks, so anything but home team’s win would be an alarming event. Zagreb has a much better team than the point count shows, so it is a tricky one for the home team. To get back the confidence they need to end the season as they planned, it will take the right kind match to be played, not only the win.
INTER – DINAMO – Zaprešić – Sunday, 15.00 CET
Inter is safe in its position while Dinamo has to stay clear of Rijeka on the top of the table. Anything but the guests to win would be a huge surprise.
HAJDUK – ISTRA – Split – Sunday, 19.00 CET
To be a Hajduk player is not similar to being a player of any other team in Croatia. Hajduk players have undoubtedly felt that in last few weeks, as their losses against Dinamo in the Cup matches would not surprise, and let alone alarm anybody neutral, but for Hajduk supporters, it is a reason to undermine the team. Being so, Hajduk again needs a win, although coach Burić has announced that for him, the selection and preparation for the next season are his goals. Istra will want a win as every match is a qualification game for them, and with Hajduk team shook as it is, they have their chances here.
