- NK Varazdin are 4th placed in the HNL 2025-2026 with 48 points from 34 games. They are undefeated in their last two home games (W1, D1).
- NK Istra 1961 Pula are 6 points behind Varazdin in 5th in the HNL 2025-2026, with 42 points from 34 matches. They have split their last two away games (W1, L1).
- Smail Prevljak has netted three of Istra 1961’s last four goals in their previous five games.
Chess match in the offing
This is a clash between two well-run HNL clubs with opposite philosophies and temperaments. NK Varazdin vs NK Istra 1961 Pula preview highlights Istra 1961 Pula as a cautious and conservative side who like to keep things simple and have the ball less than their opponents, while NK Varazdin are a compact, direct and quick team that thrives off transition moments and turnovers.
Nikola Safaric has brought a pragmatism to NK Varazdin since taking over in December 2023, and his side are currently flying high in the league in 4th place. Their home form has been especially good with the club's home record this season (W8, D6, L3), although they will find it tough to beat Istra 1961 here, who have dominated this fixture in recent meetings according to the latest NK Varazdin vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction.
The visitors have won the last three meetings between the pair in the HNL 2025/2026, and they also recorded a 1-0 away win over Osijek and a 0-0 home draw with Rijeka. Istra have also won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five matches, so are in a decent vein of form ahead of this clash.
Varazdin to edge a thriller
Varazdin are a much more adventurous side than Istra 1961 and will look to press high and get at the opposition, which can make for an open game with goals at both ends. Our NK Varazdin vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction suggests Kresimir Rezic is having the opposite effect on his side and has instilled a conservative, defense-first style since taking over in April 2026.
Both sides will have plenty to play for on Saturday, with the hosts chasing Europe and the visitors hoping to consolidate their spot in the top half. This NK Varazdin vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction also considers that the only thing that should stop this being an end-to-end game is Rezic’s preference for reducing risk, as Varazdin are always going to push for the victory.
Varazdin have failed to win their last two HNL home games against Istra 1961, but we’re expecting them to get the better of their visitors this time around. Ivan Mamut has nine goals in 25 HNL matches for Varazdin this term and is their main goal threat, while Smail Prevljak is Istra’s main threat with 14 goals in 31 matches in the HNL 2025/2026.
If you're looking for the best NK Varazdin vs NK Istra 1961 Pula betting tips, we’re going for Varazdin to win at 2.25 in the full-time result market and for both teams to score. Over 2.5 goals is coming in at a fairly low 1.8 and it looks to be a decent bet, with Varazdin conceding an average of 1.24 goals per home game in the HNL 2025/2026, while Istra have scored 20 goals in 17 away matches this campaign.
