- Slaven Belupo sits 5th in the HNL 2025-2026 standings, 1 point ahead of Istra 1961 in 6th.
- Slaven Belupo have won 2 and drawn 3 of the last 5 meetings with Istra 1961 in HNL.
- Istra 1961 have won 4 and lost 6 of their 12 away games in HNL 2025-2026, conceding 20 goals on the road.
Belupo to edge a close game
NK Slaven Belupo are slight favorites with the oddsmakers at 2.1 against outlier Istra 1961 Pula at 3.35 in what should be a close matchup of contrasting styles and abilities on Friday. The NK Slaven Belupo vs NK Istra 1961 Pula preview suggests we can expect a tactical battle with both sides intent on asserting their strengths.
Slaven have won 1, drawn 2 and lost 2 of their last 5 matches, but their home form splits the difference with a win and a loss in their last two. Mario Gregurina has done well since taking over as head coach in July 2025, installing a disciplined, patient, counter-attacking strategy that has kept his side competitive.
Adriano Jagusic is their main goal threat with 7 in 20 HNL appearances this season and can cause problems for any defence with his physical presence in the box. Leonard Zuta has chipped in with 2 goals in the last 5 matches and provides an additional threat from midfield. The first NK Slaven Belupo vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction points to a narrow edge for the hosts in a low-scoring affair.
Istra’s form is poor
Istra 1961 have lost 3 in a row and won just 1 of their last 5, so the oddsmakers might be overestimating their chances in this match. Based on the NK Slaven Belupo vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction, Istra’s concerns away from home continue to be a major factor. Oriol Riera took over in September 2025 and has moulded a team that likes to press high and play on the front foot, with a 4-2-3-1 that attacks down the middle and looks to get the ball to their striker as quickly as possible.
Smail Prevljak is the talisman for the visitors with 10 goals in 20 appearances and is responsible for half of Istra’s goals in the last 4 games. The visitors will need him in the game as their away form has been poor, with just 1 win and 2 defeats in the last 3.
Both teams can score
Istra 1961 can certainly trouble their hosts, but Slaven are more organised and will control the tempo better with home field advantage, so our NK Slaven Belupo vs NK Istra 1961 Pula betting tips suggest betting on both teams to score at 1.7 as a safer option than a straight win bet on the hosts, who we believe can nick a win. Istra haven’t won in their last 2 trips to Slaven and the head-to-head shows the home side in the driver’s seat, with 2 wins and 3 draws in the last 5.
