HNK Rijeka

vs

NK Slaven Belupo Koprivnica

Tips, Stats and Odds

HNK Rijeka are 2nd in the 2024-2025 Croatian First Division table with 62 points from 35 games. Radomir Djalovic’s men have won two, drawn one and lost two of their past five in all competitions. Rijeka drew 1-1 away to Slaven in a reverse fixture 6 days ago in the Croatia Cup, a result that kept them winless in their last two against their hosts. Rijeka’s recent form is mixed, but their home record is excellent. They average 1.88 goals per game scored at home in 2024/25, while they concede just 0.53 goals per-match in front of their own fans. Djalovic, who took over in October 2024, has instilled a patient, possession-based philosophy on the side and they create the majority of their chances from inside the box, especially at home. Our HNK Rijeka vs NK Slaven Belupo Koprivnica prediction takes this into account, especially given Rijeka's home strength.

Slaven have been in mixed form too, winning one, drawing two and losing two of their five. They enter this clash having come back from a 5-0 thrashing away to Dinamo Zagreb with an emphatic 4-0 home win over Gorica. The hosts are 2nd in the 2024-2025 season and have a respectable 62 points from 35 matches, setting up an interesting HNK Rijeka vs NK Slaven Belupo Koprivnica preview for this meeting. Slaven boss Mario Kovacevic, who has been in charge since September 2024, favors a direct, counter-attacking style of soccer and his team take more shots from distance, especially away from home. The visitors average just a goal a game away from Koprivnica, but they concede 1.29, indicating some defensive frailty when on the road. Duje Cop is Rijeka’s talisman with nine goals in 32 league games, while Alen Grgic has seven in 30 and leads the team from midfield for Slaven. Ilija Nestorovski has scored two of Slaven’s 6 goals and provides a solid attacking outlet for his team.

While Slaven can make things tough for Rijeka, who are -277 favorites here, the home side’s superior home record and attacking output, coupled with the fact that they need the win, should be enough for them to edge Slaven, who have failed to win their previous two away matches. This HNK Rijeka vs NK Slaven Belupo Koprivnica betting tips section suggests that the odds reflect Rijeka’s dominance in this kind of fixture. Rijeka have dominated this fixture historically and with Djalovic’s tactical overhaul, the hosts have become a real fortress and this could be a cagey match, so the ‘under 2.5 goals’ market could be worth a look for bettors. The HNK Rijeka vs NK Slaven Belupo Koprivnica odds also highlight Rijeka as clear favorites. With two contrasting styles on show, Rijeka’s high press and build-up play versus Slaven’s deep block and counter, expect a real battle at Stadion HNK Rijeka on Sunday as the home team looks to extend their dominance over Slaven, while the visitors hope to pull off another upset. Therefore, our second HNK Rijeka vs NK Slaven Belupo Koprivnica prediction is that the home field advantage will once again prove decisive.