Istra
- In the HNL 2026/2027, Istra are sixth with 6 points from 6 games, while Rudes are ninth with 3 from 6.
- Istra have been solid, if unspectacular, with a run of two consecutive draws in the league, including a 0-0 away at NK Varazdin and a 2-2 home clash with Dinamo Zagreb.
Rudeš
Rudeš come into this one on the back of consecutive defeats, which was concluded in midweek when they were beaten 4-0 at home by Hajduk Split, and they're in danger of being dragged into a relegation struggle if they fail to turn things around soon.
Head-to-Head
The last HNL 2023/2024 meeting was won by Istra 3-1 away, and the visitors have won none of their last two visits to Pula.
Key Players
- Jaganjac has four in his last five games for Istra though and he looks a good choice in the goal scorer market, while Jurica Poldrugac is in good form for Rudešani with two assists in six.
- Rudes have only scored 0.33 goals on the road and their top scorer is Ivan Doric with one in five HNL 2026/2027 appearances, so they lack a clinical edge.
Betting Insights
- The draw is at 4.7, so that's clearly an option, but we're going to take the smarter side of the favourite and go for Over 2.5 goals at 1.61 and Both Teams to Score at 1.78.
- Javi Cabello's side have been trying to control the tempo of games by sticking to their possession-based 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 system and pressing in waves when needed, while Alen Peternac's Rudeš are a direct 4-2-3-1 unit with a compact block and an aggressive pressing game.
Prediction
Their current position of sixth place on the table certainly represents an improvement on last season's 8th and they will be the obvious favorites here at 1.4 , but there is some value to be found if you look at the bet options.