Varazdin
- Varazdin come into this clash in 2nd place in the HNL 2026/2027 table with 9 points from their 4 matches, while Rudes are 9th after picking up just 3 points in their opening 4 games.
- Nikola Safaric's side have won 2 of their 3 HNL 2026/2027 games, including a 4-1 road win over Slaven Belupo last time out, as well as a 2-0 scalp of Rijeka at home.
- Bumbari like to start fast and press with purpose, playing with a high tempo and in flexible shapes that typically range between a 4-2-3-1 and a 3-4-3.
- Ivan Mamut has been their leading light with 3 goals in Varazdin's last 5 matches, while Ivan Canjuga has added 2 to his tally in 4 HNL 2026/2027 matches so far, providing a good amount of bite up top.
Rudes
- Alen Peternac has installed a more compact, combative setup at Rudes which will require a lot of discipline and success in duels if they are to overcome the home side.
- Rudes lost 6-1 at home to Osijek last time out and were hammered 4-0 by Dinamo Zagreb in HNL 2026/2027.
- They did bounce back with a 4-1 win over Lokomotiva Zagreb last weekend and they have a decent attacking threat.
- Jurica Poldrugac has provided 2 assists in 4 matches so far in HNL 2026/2027 and will be the creative spark in this encounter.
- Rudes have struggled on the road, taking no points from 2 away matches and conceding 3.00 goals per match in HNL 2026/2027.
Head-to-Head
- The reverse H2H meeting was won by Varazdin 2-0 away in HNL 2023/2024.
- Varazdin have won both home matches in HNL 2026/2027, averaging 2.00 goals per game and conceding 0.50.
Key Players
Ivan Mamut has been their leading light with 3 goals in Varazdin's last 5 matches , while Ivan Canjuga has added 2 to his tally in 4 HNL 2026/2027 matches so far, providing a good amount of bite up top.
Prediction
I do expect Varazdin to make this one their own as they have done in both home games this season and with Rudes averaging 3.00 conceded away , a Varazdin win to nil seems the best way to go in this clash of a fast-paced Varazdin side and a more organised but reactive Rudes unit.
