NK Istra 1961 Pula

vs

NK Gorica

Preview

Home: NK Istra 1961 Pula

• NK Istra 1961 Pula have lost their last two matches, including a 4-0 defeat at Dinamo Zagreb.
• Oriol Riera has had a positive impact on this NK Istra 1961 Pula side since taking over in September 2025, implementing an energetic, high-pressing 4-2-3-1 system that has revitalized his players.
• Smail Prevljak is their star player, having netted 10 goals in 19 HNL 2025/2026 appearances, and he has scored 3 of the hosts’ last 6 goals.
• NK Istra 1961 Pula have not won in their last two home HNL 2025/2026 fixtures, registering one draw and one loss.
• Istra sit 5th in the HNL 2025/2026 standings with 30 points from 22 games.

Away: NK Gorica

• NK Gorica have lost three of their last five league matches, drawing one and winning the other.
• Gorica are 8th with 23 points from 22 games.
• The visitors have won only 2 of their 10 away games, drawing 3 and losing 5.
• They have conceded 15 times on the road.
• Mario Carevic has done a good job at Gorica, keeping the side organised and disciplined even if the results haven’t gone their way lately.
• Gorica will sit deep and try to counterattack against Istra’s high-pressing style.

Key Players

• Smail Prevljak - 10 goals in 19 HNL 2025/2026 appearances and 3 of the hosts’ last 6 goals.
• Filip Cuic - 4 goals in 22 league games and Gorica’s main goal threat.

Betting Insights

• We’re not expecting a lot of goals in this game with both teams struggling in front of goal lately and the under 2.5 goals option at 1.65 looks attractive.
• The hosts are favored at 2.06, while Gorica are 3.4 and the draw 3.2.

Prediction

• Although they haven’t been great recently, Istra’s home advantage and attacking intent should see them over the line against a Gorica side that has failed to win in their last two trips to Pula.
• Expect a tight game with the hosts likely to edge a close encounter.