HNK Rijeka
- HNK Rijeka have won four of their last five matches in all competitions, currently on a four-match winning streak.
- Rijeka have a solid record at home in the HNL 2025/2026 (W7, D4, L2), while Istra 1961 have been poor on the road (W4, D2, L7).
NK Istra 1961 Pula
NK Istra 1961 Pula have lost their last five consecutive games and have failed to pick up a single point across their previous five outings.
Head-to-Head
In head-to-head encounters, Rijeka have won the last two meetings between the clubs in HNL 2025/2026 and beat Istra 1961 2-1 away seven weeks ago, but they will need to be wary of a side who will be desperate to end their losing streak.
Key Players
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Key players to watch:
- Toni Fruk is Rijeka’s main attacking threat with nine goals in 24 appearances in HNL 2025/2026, scoring four of the last nine goals in their recent run of four wins in five.
- Smail Prevljak has been a bright spark for Istra 1961 with ten goals in 22 HNL 2025/2026 appearances, despite their struggles.
Betting Insights
- Rijeka are rightly clear favourites here at 1.53, and the odds for ‘Both Teams to Score - No’ at 1.67 appear good value, considering the visitors’ recent attacking issues and Rijeka’s solidity in defence.
- Istra 1961’s away record is equally as concerning as their overall form, with Riera’s side losing three consecutive away games and failing to win in their last three on the road.
Prediction
This game represents a classic clash of styles , between Rijeka’s control and Istra’s energy, and the superior composure of the home side should be enough to see them take the win.
