Rijeka (home)
- Rijeka are sixth in HNL 2025-2026 with 21 points from 16 games.
- Víctor Sánchez has been in charge of Rijeka since September 2025 and he has made a few tweaks to the team that are only now starting to bear fruit.
- He has created a very structured team that can play in several different ways and they have a clear identity of being patient and control-based.
- They also have Toni Fruk to get the ball to, which is very important because the attack talisman is more effective in this system than any other they have tried under Sánchez.
- Rijeka are unbeaten in their last five games with three wins and two draws coming in all competitions.
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Recent results:
- Beat Vukovar 1991 3-1 at home in the HNL.
- Won 3-0 at home against NK Celje in the Conference League.
- Gained a 0-0 away draw at NK Istra 1961 Pula.
Gorica (away)
- Gorica are 7th with 19 points from 17 fixtures.
- Carević has done a great job at Gorica since taking over in October 2024, although he is not as bold as Sánchez and prefers a more compact approach to the game.
- His side like to sit deep and defend their box and try to pick their moments to strike on the counter attack or from set pieces.
- Ante Kavelj is just starting to look like a threat for Gorica, having scored two of their four goals in the last five fixtures, which have seen them win one, draw two and lose two.
- Filip Cuic is their most reliable source of goals with four in 17 HNL 2025-2026 appearances.
Head-to-Head
Rijeka have won two of the three HNL 2025-2026 fixtures between the two sides (W2, D1).
Key Players
- Toni Fruk - Rijeka's attacking talisman.
- Ante Kavelj - emerging threat for Gorica.
- Filip Cuic - Gorica's most reliable goalscorer (4 in 17).
Betting Insights
- HNK Rijeka are the favorites at 1.6 to beat NK Gorica on Sunday.
- Mario Carević’s side are available at 5.5, while the draw is priced at 3.55.
- Gorica have two wins, three draws and three defeats from eight away games in the league and have conceded 11 goals.
- They have conceded three in their last two trips, losing 2-1 to Slaven and drawing 1-1 with Osijek.
- Rijeka have scored 16 goals in eight home league games.
- Under 2.5 goals at 1.7 is a very strong pick for this matchup.
Prediction
- The contrast in style should lead to a possession versus low block battle on Sunday with Gorica looking to pack their defence and play on the break.
- Expect Rijeka to edge it at home while Gorica keep the game competitive, with Under 2.5 goals a recommended play.
