- Ilves Tampere have struggled on their travels in all competitions, winning just once in six attempts (D1, L4).
- HNK Rijeka are in a hot streak, winning three of their last five and their last three matches.
Tight game expected in Croatia
Croatian outfit Rijeka should have enough quality to overcome Ilves Tampere. The bookies have the hosts at 1.55 and Ilves at 5.8 here, with the draw priced up at 3.9.
With a place one step closer to the seeded side of the play-off round at stake, it's no surprise that neither team will be underestimating their opponent. HNK Rijeka vs Ilves Tampere preview suggests a close contest, with HNK Rijeka having the steadier record across their last ten in all competitions (W5, D3, L2), but Ilves are also on a two-game winning streak and have won four of their last five.
Matjaz Kek's side look to be a solid, organised unit that press high up the field and have a back four that can make quick vertical switches. They will want to get the ball back high up the pitch and play forward quickly in transition, which should suit the game plan of Amer Gojak who has scored two of Rijeka's last four goals in the last five-match run and has been their sharpest edge over the last five-match run.
Ilves have been anything but expansive in their approach to matches since Camilo Speranza took charge on 6th July, 2026. They are compact out of possession with a low block and prefer to counter quickly with the ball rather than spending long periods in the opposition half.
Who is the main threat?
Daniel Adu-Adjei has been Rijeka's main threat in this competition so far with one goal in two appearances, but Amer Gojak has scored two of their last four goals in the last five-match run. HNK Rijeka vs Ilves Tampere betting tips point towards Jardell Kanga leading Ilves' goalscoring charts in this year's UEFA Conference League Qualification with one in four, while he has three assists in their last five games overall, making him the most likely source of a goal for the visitors.
Rijeka can edge it
Ilves' average of 1.33 goals scored per game and 1.67 goals conceded per game on their travels across all competitions doesn't point to an Ilves win here, although it does suggest a low-scoring game. HNK Rijeka vs Ilves Tampere prediction also leans towards Ilves' defensive structure and the fact that they don't spend a lot of time in the attacking third does give them a chance of keeping things tight here, but Rijeka have the higher press and vertical tempo to make them uncomfortable.
The Under 2.5 market at 1.85 is my selection for Thursday's game, with the BTTS-No market coming in at a close 1.78 second choice. HNK Rijeka vs Ilves Tampere prediction suggests Rijeka have only scored six goals in their last five home games across all competitions and they aren't an explosive side, so we may see the hosts edge a tight game in a similar fashion to their 1-0 win against Derry City in this same competition two weeks ago.
HNK Rijeka vs Ilves Tampere prediction points to a narrow Rijeka win.
