Prediction: Varaždin vs Istra 1961 – First NL – 23/05/2026
Preview
Varaždin will host Istra 1961 on Sunday, 23rd May 2026, at 6:00 PM (English time) in the First League. The Croatian outfit currently sits third in the table with 54 points from 36 games, while their opponents are sixth with 43 points from the same number of matches. Varaždin has been in impressive form, boasting four wins and one draw in their last five games. They have also shown resilience, with a convincing 2-0 victory over Istra 1961 in their previous encounter being a highlight. Istra 1961, on the other hand, has had a balanced run, with two wins, one draw, and two defeats in their last five games. They will be looking to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to Varaždin, which was their most recent defeat. The match is expected to be an intense affair, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory.
Varaždin
Fulltime Result
Istra 1961
home
45.06%
draw
26.63%
away
28.31%
Varaždin will host Istra 1961 at Stadion Anđelko Herjavec on Sunday, with both teams looking to secure crucial points in the First NL. Varaždin comes into this match on the back of four consecutive victories, while Istra 1961 is seeking to bounce back after a draw in their previous outing.
In their last five games, Varaždin has shown a strong performance, with three wins and two draws. They have been particularly impressive in their last two matches, defeating Vukovar 2-0 and Rijeka 1-0. On the other hand, Istra 1961 has also had a decent run, with two wins and three draws. However, they have struggled against top-tier teams, as seen in their 0-2 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb.
Our experts believe that Varaždin will take the lead in this match, given their recent form and home advantage. They will likely start as favourites, with Istra 1961 facing an uphill battle to secure a win. However, our experts also suggest that Istra 1961 will put up a strong fight, and the match is expected to be intense.
Varaždin's recent victories have been impressive, with a goal difference of more than three in their last two matches. They defeated Vukovar 2-0 and Rijeka 1-0, showcasing their attacking prowess. Istra 1961, on the other hand, has struggled to maintain a consistent performance, with a mix of wins and draws in their last five games.
Both teams have a good squad, but our experts have found that Varaždin's striker, who has been in good shape, will be a key player to watch in this match. He has been scoring consistently in their last few games, and his presence will be crucial for Varaždin's chances of winning.
As for key players missing the game, our experts have found that both teams can count on all their players, with no notable absences reported.
There are no rumors about the match that our experts have found, but they do suggest that the match will be an exciting one, with both teams looking to secure crucial points in the First NL.
Varaždin
Both Teams To Score
Istra 1961
yes
51.54%
no
48.46%
Our experts believe that both teams have a good chance of scoring in the match between Varaždin and Istra 1961. In the last five games, Varaždin scored a total of 9 goals, while Istra 1961 found the net 4 times. Based on recent performance and offensive capability shown by both teams, this is a moderado risk bet.
Varaždin
Over/Under
Istra 1961
Over 1.5
yes
71.38%
no
28.62%
Over 2.5
yes
46.66%
no
53.34%
Over 3.5
yes
25.3%
no
74.7%
Over 4.5
yes
13.4%
no
86.6%
Our statistical model recommends betting on Over/Under 1.5 Probability goals in the game between Varaždin and Istra 1961. In the last five games, Varaždin scored a total of 14 goals, while Istra 1961 scored 10 goals. Considering recent performance and offensive capability shown by both teams, this is a moderado risk bet.
Varaždin
Varaždin x Istra 1961 Last matches
Istra 1961
Varaždin
20%
Draw
20%
Istra 1961
60%
Average statistics (latest matches)
Average goals 2
Both teams score 40
Goals scored(time 1) 1.2
Goals scored(time 2) 0.8
Over 2,5 40
Under 2.5 60
Varaždin
Total results
Istra 1961
37 matches
16
wins
/
12
draws
/
9
wins
16
wins
(43%)
12
draws
(32%)
9
wins
(24%)
Recent form
Varaždin
Wins
3/6 (50%)
Draws
1/6 (16.67%)
Losses
2/6 (33.33%)
Average statistics (latest matches)
Total goals 2.33
Both score 50%
Goals scored 1.33
Goals conceded 1
Over 2,5 33.33
Less 2,5 66.67
1. HNL - 26/04/2026
1. HNL - 03/05/2026
1. HNL - 09/05/2026
1. HNL - 23/05/2026
Istra 1961
Wins
2/6 (33.33%)
Draws
1/6 (16.67%)
Losses
3/6 (50%)
Average statistics (latest matches)
Total goals 1.67
Both score 16.67%
Goals scored 0.67
Goals conceded 1
Over 2,5 16.67
Less 2,5 83.33
1. HNL - 22/04/2026
1. HNL - 27/04/2026
1. HNL - 04/05/2026
1. HNL - 10/05/2026
1. HNL - 17/05/2026
1. HNL - 23/05/2026
Latest news and statistics from Varaždin
Varaždin is gearing up for a crucial match against Istra 1961 in the 36th round of the 2025/2026 First NL. The team has been in impressive form, securing 54 points after 36 games, which has seen them rise to third place in the standings. Their recent performance has been a testament to their growth, with a string of positive results that have propelled them up the table. In their last five matches, Varaždin has shown remarkable resilience and determination. They started with a convincing 2-0 victory over Istra 1961, followed by a hard-fought 0-2 win against Vukovar. The team then drew 1-1 with Lokomotiva Zagreb, before suffering a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Hajduk Split. Their most recent match saw them fall 2-1 to Dinamo Zagreb, but despite the losses, Varaždin's overall performance has been impressive, with a clear indication of their ability to compete with the best teams in the league. As Varaždin prepares for the upcoming match against Istra 1961, they will be looking to build on their recent form and continue their push for a top-three finish. With their sights set on maintaining their current position, the team will be eager to put in a strong performance and secure all three points. The match promises to be an intense and closely contested affair, with both teams vying for a crucial victory.Latest news and statistics from Istra 1961
Istra 1961 is gearing up for a crucial encounter against Varaždin in the 36th round of the 2025/2026 First NL. The team has been performing steadily, ranking sixth with 43 points after 36 games. In their last five matches, Istra 1961 has shown resilience, drawing against Rijeka and Osijek, while securing victories against Slaven Koprivnica and Gorica. This stability is a testament to the team's growing strength and determination. As Istra 1961 prepares to face Varaždin, they will be looking to build on their recent form and maintain their position in the league table. The team's manager will be focusing on fine-tuning the squad's strategy, identifying areas where they can exploit Varaždin's weaknesses, and ensuring that the players are physically and mentally prepared for the challenge ahead. With their sights set on a positive outcome, Istra 1961 will be eager to make the most of this opportunity and secure a vital three points. The match against Varaždin promises to be an intense and closely contested affair, with both teams vying for a crucial victory. Istra 1961's recent performances have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with, and they will be looking to continue their upward trajectory in the league. As the team takes to the pitch, they will be driven by a sense of determination and a desire to secure a positive result against Varaždin.Varaždin
lineup
Istra 1961
Lineup
1.
Oliver Zelenika
16.
Novak Tepsic
2.
Sven Lesjak
14.
Roberto Puncec
23.
Frane Maglica
8.
Tomislav Duvnjak
6.
David Puclin
25.
Antonio Borsic
10.
Aleksa Latkovic
22.
Luka Mamic
28.
Ivan Canjuga
Lineup
Jan Paus-Kunst
40.
Filip Taraba
24.
Raul Kumar
38.
Samuli Miettinen
16.
R. Hrvatin
44.
Josip Radosevic
5.
Stjepan Loncar
10.
Niko Šepić
13.
Dukan Ahmeti
20.
Allen Obando
29.
Silvio Gorican
11.
Bench
9.
Stipe Juric
12.
Petar Bockaj
13.
Mario Mladenovski
17.
Ivan Mamut
18.
Paizinho
20.
Gregor Sikosek
24.
Mario Marina
30.
Luka Posinković
33.
Josip Silic
38.
Iuri Tavares
44.
Mateo Barac
Bench
Franko Kolic
1.
Vinko Rozic
7.
Antonio Mauric
8.
Ebou Sama
15.
Emil Frederiksen
17.
Israel Isaac Ayuma
18.
Leo Stulac
23.
Gustavo Albarracín
25.
Charles Adah Agada
77.
Advan Kadusic
97.
Standings Varaždin x Istra 1961
Regular Season
.
No
team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
#: position
team: team
P: played
W: wins
D: draws
L: losses
GF: goals for
GA: goals against
GD: goal difference
Pts: points
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Varaždin vs Istra 1961 FAQ
Varaždin vs Istra 1961 when?
The match between Varaždin and Istra 1961 will take place on 23/05/2026. Don't miss this great game and the chance to bet on it!
Varaždin vs Istra 1961 what time?
The game between Varaždin and Istra 1961 will start at 15:00 Brasília time on 23/05/2026.
Varaždin vs Istra 1961 who won?
We don't know who will win the duel between Varaždin and Istra 1961, and that's why we love football. However, our experts believe that betting on the victory of team Varaždin can be a moderate risk choice.