- Slaven are 4th with 6pts from 5 matches, Istra 6th with 5pts from 5.
- Istra have lost just 1 of their last 5 HNL matches, winning 1, drawing 3.
- Istra are winless in 3 away from home (D1, L2), conceding an average of 2 goals per away match.
Entertaining encounter expected in Koprivnica
The clash between these sides has added significance this Friday as both clubs attempt to build on their solid starts to the new HNL 2025-2026 campaign after their deep cup runs last season. In this NK Slaven Belupo vs NK Istra 1961 Pula preview, both teams have settled down to a good start this term but Slaven have that little bit extra to show for their efforts in 4th spot with 6 points from 5 matches, against Istra’s 5 points from the same number of matches in 6th.
Mario Gregurina was appointed as head coach at Slaven this summer and his high-energy approach and pressing style of play have made his side a more attractive proposition. Their most recent result was a 2-1 away win over Vukovar 1991 that ended a two-game losing streak and the hosts will be looking to set the tempo again here as they press high up the pitch and look to force mistakes, which will be crucial according to our NK Slaven Belupo vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction.
Istra meanwhile arrive in decent form after claiming a 1-0 home win over NK Gorica last time out, bouncing back from a 3-0 defeat away to Dinamo Zagreb prior to that. Goran Tomić has had a similar impact at the club since taking over in June, implementing an Italian-influenced pragmatism and an ability to adapt in different situations to make the most of what they’ve got.
Tomic’s tactical flexibility can get the better of Gregurina’s pressing
This fixture will be an interesting battle between the more expansive, high-energy style of Slaven and the more organised and adaptable nature of Istra. In our NK Slaven Belupo vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction, Gregurina has certainly been true to his word in playing with a high-octane approach and developing young local talent, but Tomić’s side have been very difficult to break down in midfield and at the back this season.
Istra have kept things tight and controlled the space between the lines to stifle their opponents, so we’re expecting a fascinating battle in the midfield area that could ultimately decide this one. Josip Mitrovic is the talisman for the home side and he has 2 goals in 5 HNL appearances so far, while Adriano Jagusic has 3 assists in 5 games, making him the best creative outlet that Slaven have had in recent seasons.
Stjepan Loncar is Istra’s biggest threat with 2 goals in 5 matches, accounting for nearly half of the club's league goals. The bookmakers make Slaven slight favorites at 2.20 with Istra priced at 2.80 and the draw at 3.29, although with home advantage and the odds on offer we’re going for the away side in this NK Slaven Belupo vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction.
Slaven haven’t won either of their last 2 home matches against Istra, suggesting this should be a challenging fixture for the favourites. For those interested, our NK Slaven Belupo vs NK Istra 1961 Pula betting tips recommend under 2.5 goals as a solid alternative wager, given the attacking struggles of both sides and Istra’s away form this campaign.
