NK Osijek

vs

NK Istra 1961 Pula

Tips, Stats and Odds

Istra 1961 are narrowly ahead of Osijek in the Croatian HNL table, but home advantage could give the hosts the edge when the two clubs meet on Sunday. Simon Rozman has done a good job since taking the reins at Gradski Vrt in March 2025, bringing structure to the team and an attacking edge that was previously lacking. Arnel Jakupovic has been Osijek’s talisman with eight HNL goals from 27 appearances in 2024-2025, but Nail Omerovic is their current hotshot with four goals in the last five league fixtures. Osijek have been in decent form with three wins, one draw and one loss in their last five, but they have stumbled in the past fortnight with a 2-1 away loss at Varazdin and a 1-1 draw at home with Lokomotiva. The upcoming match is a perfect opportunity to look at our NK Osijek vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction, considering how both teams have fared recently. Istra 1961 will be coming off the back of two good results themselves with a 3-0 home win over Sibenik followed by a 0-0 draw away at Varazdin. Gonzalo Garcia has tightened up his team’s defence since taking over in January 2025 and they have gone unbeaten in the league’s closing stretch.

Istra are not a possession-based side, preferring to sit deep and make life difficult for their opponents with compact defense and an eye for the counterattack. Vinko Rozic has been the main focal point in their 4-4-2 set-up with seven goals in 16 league games, but attacking midfielder Zoran Josipovic has been a clever link-up player with important assists. This NK Osijek vs NK Istra 1961 Pula preview suggests that Osijek’s strategy is the antithesis to Istra’s approach, with the hosts looking to control the ball, build up patiently and open things up wide with overlapping full-backs. It should be a fascinating clash between the two sides, which Istra 1961 won 2-1 at home in HNL 2024/2025 seven weeks ago. The result of this game will depend on which Osijek turns up and who scores first, but the current NK Osijek vs NK Istra 1961 Pula odds make the home team the slight favorites, which seems about right. The NK Osijek vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction is further informed by the fact that Istra have only won four of 17 away games in HNL 2024/2025, losing seven, so Osijek have the edge in that respect. But the visitors have been improving of late, with one win and one draw in their previous two road games, and can avoid defeat here. If you are looking for guidance, consider our NK Osijek vs NK Istra 1961 Pula betting tips for extra insight on potential outcomes.