- Rijeka have won 3 of their last 5 (W3, D1, L1) and are on a 3-game winning streak coming into this game.
- Ilves have won 4 of their last 5 (W4, D1, L0) and are on a 2-game winning streak heading into Thursday's fixture.
- In all competitions, Rijeka have won 3 of their 5 home games this season (W3, D1, L1), while Ilves have lost 4 of 6 away (W1, D1, L4).
Rijeka in fine form and fancied to win in Croatia
HNK Rijeka are the bookmakers' clear favourites for this UEFA Conference League fixture, which is being played in Croatia, and they rightfully are. Ilves Tampere are a decent side and have hit some good form in the build-up to this game, but there's nothing in their form or performance to suggest that they can upset the odds in this one.
Matjaz Kek has Rijeka organized and aggressive, operating with a back-four. They are a team that wants the ball back after they lose it and have a good tempo of play to their game as they look to win the ball in good positions high up the pitch.
Ilves are a different proposition as Camilo Speranza has given them a compact, fight-first identity since taking charge on 6 July 2026. They are compact and difficult to break down, and are effective on the break as they sit deep and play quick balls in behind.
Finns have to be compact and clinical
In the Finns' last two games, which were a 1-0 home win over FC Lahti in Veikkausliiga 2026 and a 1-0 draw with Stjarnan (5-4 shootout win in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026), they have been very compact out of possession and direct in transition. They sit in a low block and have been good at playing quick balls in behind the opposition's defensive line, rather than holding onto the ball for extended periods.
Rijeka's higher press and vertical tempo should test Ilves and the Finns will be looking to counter attack in numbers if they can get players forward on the counter attack. The 11/20 price on the Croatian club is a little on the short side, but Ilves at 24/5 and the draw at 29/10 are even more unappealing, so we're heading into the goals markets for this one.
Rijeka to squeeze through in a tight game
Under 2.5 goals at 17/20 and BTTS-No at 39/50 are the best angles to take for this tie as we see Rijeka winning in a tactical game. The hosts have been in fine fettle, winning 3 of their last 5, while Ilves have also been in good form with 4 wins from 5.
This is a UEFA Conference League tie with real progression value as the winner will take a step closer to the seeded play-off path, so both sides will be highly motivated to get the job done in their own half. Rijeka have scored just 6 goals in their last 5 home games across all competitions, so they're not a rampant attack, while the average of 1.33 scored and 1.67 conceded on the road by Ilves in all competitions is another reason to expect a narrow win for the hosts.
Amer Gojak has been Rijeka's sharp edge of late, scoring 2 of their 4 goals in their most recent 5-match run, while Daniel Adu-Adjei leads their goal threat in this competition with 1 goal in 2 appearances. Jardell Kanga is Ilves' top scorer in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 with 1 goal in 4 games and he has 3 assists in their last 5, so he is their creative spark.
