Gorica
- Gorica, who set up in a compact 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 system, rely on defensive solidity, transitions and set-piece threats to create their chances in the league.
- Our NK Gorica vs NK Istra 1961 Pula betting tips indicate that Gorica have won only once in their last five (1-1-3).
- Gorica have won only two of their seven home games in the HNL this term, with one draw and four defeats, but they should take a lot of encouragement from the fact they average 1.43 goals per game at home.
- Carevic’s side have scored ten goals in seven at home and they should be able to cause Istra problems on Sunday.
NK Istra 1961 Pula
- NK Istra 1961 Pula are 4th in HNL 2025/2026, four points ahead of 7th-placed Gorica.
- This NK Gorica vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction suggests Istra have the momentum and look to narrowly edge Gorica in what is likely to be a close matchup on Sunday.
- Oriol Riera took over as Pula boss in September 2025 and has introduced a much more intense, attacking approach to the team since then.
- Istra are on a roll with three wins, one draw, and one defeat from their last five matches.
Head-to-Head
The last two HNL head-to-head results: both teams to win once, no draws.
Key Players
- Fago has been in good form of late and his two goals in the last five games have been a vital boost to Istra’s ability to hit opponents on the break, so our NK Gorica vs NK Istra 1961 Pula betting tips consider he looks good value in the anytime scorer market.
- Jurica Prsir has also been in great form with two goals in the same period, so we’ll go with Prsir to score anytime.
Betting Insights
- A matchup of low block versus high press is often about which team dictates the pace and flow of the game, but we’re expecting a fairly close match here, and at 1.78 the Both Teams To Score wager looks attractive.
- Istra are a slightly shorter price than Gorica in the 2.86 to 2.41 range with Draw at 3.24.
- NK Istra 1961 Pula have only scored five times in six away league games this season, however, and it is for this reason that we are expecting a close contest.
Prediction
- and we’re going with the visitors here as they have been the better side in recent weeks.
- it is for this reason that we are expecting a close contest.
