NK Varazdin vs HNK Gorica Prediction, Match Preview & Betting Tips, 2025-08-04 20:00:00
Get ready as NK Varazdin takes on HNK Gorica at Stadion Anđelko Herjavec. This exciting match is set for the opening day of the 2025/26 HNL season, scheduled for August 4th at 20:00. Varazdin ended last season on a positive note, achieving a mix of results: two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches. They showed strength by defeating Osijek 2-1 and tying 0-0 with Istra 1961. Although they stumbled against Santa Clara in a pre-season friendly, losing 2-0 away, they bounced back with a 2-1 home victory.
HNK Gorica is coming into this match with some challenges, unable to win any of their last five matches in both friendlies and the league. They have faced four losses and a draw, allowing twelve goals and scoring just two. Notably, Varazdin has scored in each of their three encounters against Gorica this year, winning one of them. While Varazdin has one player out with injury, Gorica arrives with a full roster, but their recent form is a concern.
NK Varazdin vs HNK Gorica Prediction & Betting Tip
Playing at home gives NK Varazdin an edge. Last season, they played well at home, with three wins and two draws. Their 2-1 pre-season win against Santa Clara shows they’re attacking with confidence. Gorica’s recent struggles, poor form, and defensive issues put them at a disadvantage. The smart bet would be backing NK Varazdin to win, thanks to their form, home advantage, and Gorica’s defensive problems.
| Recommended Bet | Odds Range |
|---|---|
| NK Varazdin to win | 1.71 – 1.74 |
NK Varazdin vs HNK Gorica Odds
Varazdin is the favorite with odds of 1.71–1.74, recognizing their strong home performances. Odds for a draw are around 3.50–3.60, taking into account Gorica’s weak defense and Varazdin’s tendency to score at home. Gorica’s chances of winning away are low, reflected in higher odds of 5.00–5.50. Odds for less than 2.5 goals stand at 2.20, while more than 2.5 goals are at 1.65, hinting at a potential high-scoring game. Odds for both teams to score are about 1.95, considering Gorica’s scoring troubles. Bet on a Varazdin clean sheet stands at 2.10, given Gorica’s goal-scoring drought.
| Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| NK Varazdin to win | 1.71–1.74 |
| Draw | 3.50–3.60 |
| HNK Gorica to win | 5.00–5.50 |
| Over 2.5 goals | 1.65 |
| Under 2.5 goals | 2.20 |
| Both Teams to Score – Yes | 1.95 |
| Clean Sheet – Varazdin No Concede | 2.10 |
Home Team Analysis – NK Varazdin
Home Team Recent Performance
Recently, Varazdin has shown a mixed bag of results. They lost 2-0 to Santa Clara away in the Conference League Qualification but grabbed a 2-1 win in the first leg. Ending their HNL season, they fell 1-0 to Dinamo Zagreb. However, they also enjoyed a 2-1 win at home against Osijek and a goalless draw at Istra 1961.
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-31 | Conference League Qualification | Santa Clara (A) | 0 – 2 (L) |
| 2025-07-24 | Conference League Qualification | Santa Clara (H) | 2 – 1 (W) |
| 2025-05-25 | HNL | Dinamo Zagreb (A) | 0 – 1 (L) |
| 2025-05-17 | HNL | Osijek (H) | 2 – 1 (W) |
| 2025-05-11 | HNL | Istra 1961 (A) | 0 – 0 (D) |
Varazdin showcases strong resolve when playing at home, proven by recent unbeaten games with one draw and one win. They have grappled with away games, losing two out of five but redeemed with an assertive offensive showing in their pre-season success.
Home Team Key Players
Key players for Varazdin include goalkeeper Oliver Zelenika, crucial for keeping things tight at the back. Full-backs Vane Jovanov and Lamine Ba provide essential width and defensive support. Mateo Barac shines with aerial strength and leadership in defense. Midfielder Mario Marina is a central figure in crafting plays, with Tomislav Duvnjak and Petar Bockaj controlling the game’s pace. Attacking midfielder Leon Belcar offers creativity and scoring threats, while winger Matej Vuk’s speed can energize attacks, paired with Marko Dabro as their main forward. The creativity of Marina may crack Gorica’s defense, with Dabro as the prime goal poacher.
Home Team Suspensions & Injuries
Thierry Nevers, a midfielder for Varazdin, is out due to knee surgery. This absence affects their depth, but the squad remains mainly injury-free, offering coach Nikola Safaric flexibility for rotations, especially in midfield.
| Player | Position | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thierry Nevers | Midfielder | Knee surgery | TBA (post-op) |
Home Team Tactics and Formation
Coached by Nikola Safaric, Varazdin will likely use a 4-2-3-1 formation. Zelenika guards the net, with Jovanov and Ba in full-back roles and Barac leading the defense. Duvnjak and Bockaj will protect the defense in a double pivot role. The advanced midfield uses Marina centrally, with support from Belcar and Vuk. Up front, Dabro is expected to lead the attack. Their strategy will focus on swift transitions, using the wings and applying pressure to unsettle Gorica’s fragile defense.
Away Team Analysis – HNK Gorica
Away Team Recent Performance
Gorica is having a tough patch with no wins in their last five games. Their friendlies and league matches show defensive weaknesses, conceding 12 goals and scoring just 2.
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-19 | Friendly | Charlton (H) | 0 – 2 (L) |
| 2025-05-24 | HNL | NK Lokomotiva (H) | 0 – 3 (L) |
| 2025-05-18 | HNL | Slaven (A) | 0 – 4 (L) |
| 2025-05-11 | HNL | Hajduk Split (H) | 1 – 1 (D) |
| 2025-05-04 | HNL | Rijeka (A) | 1 – 2 (L) |
This streak hints at issues in defense and an inability to score, managing a draw against Hajduk Split as their best result. Losing two away matches sharply indicates their struggles outside their home ground.
Away Team Key Players
Gorica relies on several players to turn their fortunes around. Goalkeeper Davor Matijas plays a critical role in leadership and change in form. Full-backs Dino Mikanovic and Jakov Filipovic ensure wider stability, collaborating in defense with Damjan Durakovic. In midfield, playmaker Ivan Fiolić sparks creativity, while Iker Pozo offers dynamic box-to-box contributions that aid gameplay from defense to attack. Forward Ante Erceg remains their main scoring hope, though he needs support from the midfield to rediscover his scoring touch. Players like Mateo Les, Ante Kavelj, and Stefan Perić provide versatility, with Kavelj expected to offer width from the bench.
Away Team Suspensions & Injuries
HNK Gorica reports no injuries or suspensions, allowing them to strategize using their full squad. Coach Mario Carevic has the flexibility to adjust tactics and lineup, suiting competition demands.
| Player | Position | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | – | – |
Away Team Tactics and Formation
Gorica’s coach, Mario Carevic, may employ a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. Their setup will likely feature Matijas in goal, Franculjević and Durakovic at center-back, with Mikanovic and Kavelj on the flanks. Pozo might anchor the midfield, with Fiolić creating offensive opportunities. Their attacking strategy appears cautious, aiming for defensive solidity and counter-attacks, using Perić and Kavelj to complement central man Erceg. This game plan balances containing Varazdin and executing quick counters.
NK Varazdin vs HNK Gorica Head-to-Head Statistics
The head-to-head record between these two teams over the last year shows a pretty even contest, with neither team having a clear upper hand. In their last five meetings, three ended in draws with one win each for both sides.
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-04-04 | HNL | 0 – 0 |
| 2025-01-25 | HNL | 1 – 1 |
| 2024-11-14 | Cup | 1 – 1 (4-5 pens to Gorica) |
| 2024-10-20 | HNL | 2 – 1 (Varazdin win) |
| 2024-08-03 | HNL | 0 – 0 |
The matches have largely been low-scoring and closely fought, with an average of 1.2 goals per game. Varazdin managed to score in three of these five clashes, while Gorica scored in two, winning only through penalties in a cup match. Varazdin’s only win in this match-up was at home in October 2024, reinforcing the need for strong defense for an intense fixture.
Venue and Weather
The game takes place at Stadion Anđelko Herjavec, NK Varazdin’s homeground in Croatia, known for its passionate atmosphere and a seating capacity just under 9,000. The early August evening will likely be warm, with temperatures between 22°C and 26°C. While occasional showers or thunderstorms are possible, it shouldn’t majorly affect play. There may be light winds, creating minimal impact on long or aerial balls. Coaches and players must be ready to adjust tactics quickly if the conditions shift unexpectedly. A focus on skillful passes and adaptive strategies on potentially wet pitches will be key, making this matchup as exciting as ever.
