- Varazdin are unbeaten in five home fixtures, winning three and drawing two.
- Jablonec have lost all four away fixtures in this period, conceding 15 goals.
- The hosts are on a two-game winning streak, beating Vukovar 1991 2-0 away and NK Istra 1961 Pula 2-0 at home.
Varazdin are the value on home soil
Jablonec are a team in transition after Luboš Kozel took the helm in July 2024. His side are structured, which helps them to stay compact when out of possession, while they have plenty of width in the wing-back positions and enough power and pace to play a direct game on the counter-punch. They're a solid side, albeit one who were thumped 5-0 by Viktoria Plzen in their most recent away match, but they have enough to win this match. Nikola Safaric has done a good job of moulding Varazdin since taking over in December 2023 and they are organised, compact and sharp in transition. They're not prolific, but they have scored seven goals in their last five home games across all competitions, which is a tidy return considering their control-first approach.
Jablonec are on a dodgy streak
Varazdin come into this UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 qualifier in better form than their opponents with five wins, two draws and three defeats in their last ten across all competitions. Jablonec have three wins, one draw and six defeats in the same period, making them the second-bottom side in the Czech top flight.
Varazdin have won their last two matches 2-0 and should have enough to edge out this fixture, which is currently favouring the hosts at 149/100. Jablonec are at 7/4, and the draw is 51/20, but we'll back the Croatian outfit to continue their momentum and nick it.
Jablonec’s back-three base can keep them in it
Jablonec will set up with a back three and a pressing game that is selective, so we're not expecting them to completely fall apart. They will stay compact and should be able to stay in the game.
Both teams to score looks live at 7/10 and under 2.5 goals at 22/25 looks like a decent fit for what should be a tense and tactical European qualifier.
