- Odds: Slaven are 2.47 favorites for this HNL 2026/2027 clash, with Gorica 2.9 and the draw 3.15.
- Head-to-head: Slaven have the edge with 3 wins from the last 5 meetings (D1, L1), while Gorica have won 1 of the last 5.
- Form: Slaven are on a 5-game losing streak, winning none of their last 5, so both sides are in need of a lift.
HNL 2026/2027’s bottom 3 – Slaven and Gorica
Standings and odds
9th-placed Slaven and 8th-placed Gorica both have 0 points from 3 and 2 games respectively in HNL 2026/2027 and both are in desperate need of a victory on Saturday to kickstart their seasons. Slaven are 2.47 favourites, but Gorica are close behind at 2.9 and the 'DRAW' sits at 3.15.
Managers and styles
Mario Gregurina has overseen Slaven since 1 July 2025 and has developed a high-intensity, set-piece-heavy side that loves a duel and counterattack. Mario Carević has had Gorica set up in a compact, high-pressing team that looks to win the ball early and play forward since 15 October 2024.
Recent form
Slaven have lost all 5 of their games this season, a slump that has put them in real danger of relegation for HNL 2026/2027. Slaven's home record is abysmal (L1), averaging 1.00 goals scored and 4.00 goals conceded in 1 home game, while Gorica's road record isn't much better (L1).
Slaven's last two games have seen them lose 1-4 at home to Varaždin and 3-0 away at Istra 1961, so this will be a tough game for the Farmaceuti. Gorica have lost 4 consecutively and won just 1 of their last 5, so confidence won't be sky-high in either camp.
Go with the hosts, but be prepared for a close battle
We're leaning towards Slaven at home, but this isn't the easiest bet of the weekend and we'll be careful to avoid the 'draw' price as it is not far off an even odds. Slaven have the better record in this fixture, winning the previous clash 1-0 at home in HNL 2025/2026, while Gorica have won none of their last 3 at Slaven.
The contrast in styles will be interesting, as Slaven's work ethic and direct play will clash with Gorica's organised press and faster players that play through the centre of the park. It's a clash of second ball specialists, with the midfield duo that wins the second ball and plays the ball quickly will probably edge this one. Under 2.5 goals looks the best secondary angle at 1.82, as this should be a tense battle, not a shootout.
Slaven haven't scored more than once in a game this season though, so they will need a boost from somewhere if they're to claim all 3 points.
- Ilija Nestorovski remains Slaven's best hope to make a big difference, as he leads their scoring in HNL 2026/2027 with 1 goal in 3 games and is always a threat to pinch a goal.
- Marko Dabro is providing a little more creativity, as the playmaker has 1 assist in 3 HNL 2026/2027 games, while Bruno Bogojevic, Gorica's main goal threat with 1 goal in 2 matches in HNL 2026/2027, has scored 2 of their 3 goals across the last 5 games.
- Luka Vrzic is Gorica's best creator, with 1 assist in 2 HNL 2026/2027 matches, so he will try to push his team forward and get the best out of their transitions.
