FC Thun vs HNK Hajduk Split - UEFA Europa Conference League

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings FC Thun and HNK Hajduk Split together at the home ground on October 22, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the UEFA Europa Conference League occasion. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

FC Thun head into the contest positioned 26th in the UEFA Europa Conference League standings, while HNK Hajduk Split arrive sitting 14th. FC Thun are in the midst of a difficult spell, LWWLL in their last five summing up a win rate of 0%. HNK Hajduk Split are in the midst of a slump, WLWWW over their last five and a paltry win rate of 0% summing up their struggles. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. Nevertheless, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville confessed he struggled to offer unreserved praise given the ongoing case, with the points accumulated potentially counting for nothing by the season's end.

The tactical subplot is compelling: FC Thun favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while HNK Hajduk Split are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. But this approach also takes something that is almost anonymous in football - time.

With K. Behrens leading the league's scoring charts at 6 goals, the contest is unlikely to be short of attacking intent. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Liverpool and Manchester City could reportedly be set to battle it out for the transfer of Real Sociedad defender Jon Aramburu.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. The numbers tilt towards HNK Hajduk Split, and a 1-2 away win looks the more probable outcome. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the UEFA Europa Conference League picture. Man United sent verdict on Luke Shaw's actions and Rodrigo Bentancur red in Tottenham draw.