- HNK Rijeka are unbeaten in their last two home games and have drawn their last two in all competitions (0-0 with AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Conference League).
- HNK Rijeka are 7th in HNL 2025/2026 with 18 points from 15 games; Vukovar 1991 are 10th with 12 from 15.
- Both teams are in mixed form with 1 win, 3 draws and 1 loss in their last 5 matches in all competitions.
Vukovar 1991 can make a game of it
HNK Rijeka should win against Vukovar 1991 on Saturday, but our HNK Rijeka vs Vukovar 1991 prediction takes into account that the odds for the HNL 2025/2026 hosts are much too low, and there is some appeal in the away side, who are a long-shot on the game.
These two sides are both in mixed form with 1 win, 3 draws and 1 defeat in their last 5 games, but the head-to-head record, HNK’s home record and Vukovar’s away form are all factors to be considered. The HNK Rijeka vs Vukovar 1991 preview also points out that Rijeka are unbeaten in two at home, but have also drawn their last 2, while Vukovar have drawn two of their last three after a 2-2 home draw with Osijek. The visitors did get smashed 4-1 away at Slaven last time out, but they can be a difficult side to unlock when they stay compact and play their game.
Sánchez wants to press and attack
Víctor Sánchez, who was appointed as head coach of Rijeka in early September 2025, has instilled a more organised, defence-first approach, with tactical emphasis on wide play and patient build-up. The players are pressing well and pressing in numbers, which can be a good strategy if they can keep it up. Our HNK Rijeka vs Vukovar 1991 betting tips suggest that this new approach could make a significant impact.
Toni Fruk leads the team with 7 goals in the league, but with 4 in his last 5 appearances, he is in the best form at the moment. Jakov Puljic has fired Vukovar’s recent revival with 2 of their last 5 goals and provides an element of danger from set-pieces. Robin Gonzalez has been their most reliable source of goals, however, with 5 in HNL 2025/2026.
Križari should have the firepower to win
The clash of Rijeka’s pressing, attacking ambition and Vukovar’s disciplined, low-block approach could make for an intriguing tactical battle on Saturday. Kristijan Polovanec, who took over on a temporary basis in September 2025, has kept his players compact and pragmatic, sitting deep, screening the midfield and looking to spring direct counters and set-pieces.
The HNK Rijeka vs Vukovar 1991 prediction is further supported by Rijeka’s solid home record in HNL 2025/2026 with 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from 7 games and they have scored 13 times at home. Vukovar have failed to win any of their 7 away games, managing only 2 draws and 5 defeats, and their away attack has averaged 0.57 goals scored and 2.29 conceded per away match.
So, although Rijeka are the most likely winners, the Over 2.5 goals option is tempting at 1.76 given that Vukovar’s leaky away defense can be a problem for them. The psychological impact of promotion and coaching changes for both sides also makes this a big game for Rijeka to prove their identity under Sánchez, so we are taking HNK Rijeka vs Vukovar 1991 prediction of Rijeka to get the job done at 1.33.
