HNK Rijeka host league leaders Hajduk Split on Sunday at 5 PM at Rujevica in the 8th round of the SuperSport HNL. This is the first league meeting between the two sides this season and a chance for Rijeka to close the gap at the top. The hosts currently sit fifth with 11 points from six games, five points behind Hajduk who have 16 from seven.
Hajduk coach Gonzalo Garcia confirmed that captain Marko Livaja will not travel to Rijeka. "Livaja has had a virus all week and will not travel with the team to Rijeka," Garcia said. He also stated that goalkeeper Ivic Ivušić has a non-serious health issue requiring recovery time, while Roko Brajković is also absent.
Rijeka head into the derby following a convincing 6-0 cup win against Vrbovec last week. In the league, they last drew 1-1 with Lokomotiva at Maksimir. They now return to Rujevica where they won their last home league match 4-1 against Osijek.
The last meeting between these rivals at Rujevica ended on March 4 last year with a 3-2 win for Rijeka. Hajduk won their last league match 1-0 against Slaven Belupo with a goal from Dalisson. Sunday's match will be broadcast live on MAXSport 1, with rights held by Hrvatski Telekom. Rijeka have a game in hand due to the postponement of their second-round match against Dinamo.
Rijeka's top scorer this season is D. Adu-Adjei with three goals. Following this derby, Rijeka will prepare for the next round of the HNL.
Read the full report at lika-express.hr
