Varaždin vs Rijeka preview

Croatia flag 2026/2027 1. HNL, Croatia
Stadion Anđelko Herjavec Sun, 16 Aug - 4:30 PM
1. HNL
VaraždinNKV
RijekaRIJ
KICKOFF : Sun, 16 Aug - 4:30 PM
Round 3 Regular Season

CONTEXT

Varaždin welcome Rijeka to Stadion Anđelko Herjavec for a 1. HNL regular season clash in the 2026/2027 season. The visitors carry a modest overall strength advantage according to power ratings, yet the home side currently occupies a higher league position. Rijeka display stronger recent form metrics while both clubs operate within a tight competitive window domestically. Limited underlying data restricts deeper insight into efficiency and set piece execution, with available indicators relying on proxy measures. The narrow power differential suggests a closely contested encounter where small margins in structure and execution may decide the outcome. This fixture offers both teams an opportunity to solidify their standing as the campaign advances.

TL;DR

  • Structural: Varaždin occupy second place domestically while Rijeka sit fifth.
  • Form: Rijeka post a form score of 16.67 against Varaždin's 8.33.
  • Squad: Rijeka are the stronger side with a power score of 75.04.
  • Efficiency: Efficiency metrics remain unavailable for both teams.
  • Transition: Transition metrics are not detailed in current assessments.
  • Set pieces: Set piece data shows low confidence and relies on proxy values.
  • xVariable: Rijeka hold a 3.6 point power advantage over Varaždin.
  • Market: Varaždin 0% (Δ+0%) | Draw 0% (Δ+0%) | Rijeka 0% (Δ+0%).
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
Jan 25 vs Team A
Feb 1 vs Team B
Feb 8 vs Team C
Varaždin N. Šafarić
N. Šafarić
VS
Rijeka M. Kek
M. Kek
1.75
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.56
2.17 i
Last 6 Opponents
Slaven Koprivnica Rank: 64 W
Hajduk Split Rank: 77 W
Istra 1961 Rank: 66 W
Vukovar Rank: 59 W
Lokomotiva Zagreb Rank: 69 D
Hajduk Split Rank: 75 L
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
2.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
Dinamo Zagreb Rank: 84 D
Rudeš Rank: 51 W
Gorica Rank: 64 W
Istra 1961 Rank: 66 D
Vukovar Rank: 59 W
Lokomotiva Zagreb Rank: 69 W
4
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
4 - 2 - 2
2
No sidelined player data available.

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
71.46
75.04
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Varaždin
Rijeka
Power Score
71.46
75.04
League Position
2
5
Global Rank
245
164

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Varaždin — Opponent-weighted form score
Rijeka — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Varaždin Rijeka

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 8 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Varaždin NKV Home
8 matches
Rijeka RIJ Away
Match Record
4
Wins
2
2
Draws
2
2
Losses
4
Goals
7
Goals Scored
6
6
Goals Conceded
7
+1
Goal Difference
-1
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-13T00:26:25+00:00

STARTING XI - EXPECTED

Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Aug 16, 2026, 04:30 PM
Competition
2026/2027 1. HNL, Croatia · Round 3 · Regular Season
Stadium
Stadion Anđelko Herjavec
Capacity
10800
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair

Expected Lineup

Starting XI ▼

33
Josip Silic
Josip Silic Goalkeeper
7.63
17
Ivan Mamut
Ivan Mamut Centre Forward
7.3
4
Luka Skaricic
Luka Skaricic Left Back
6.67
13
Mario Mladenovski
Mario Mladenovski Left Back
7.07
10
Aleksa Latkovic
Aleksa Latkovic Right Wing
7.5
38
Iuri Tavares
Iuri Tavares Left Wing
7.21
23
Frane Maglica
Frane Maglica Right Back
6.75
20
Gregor Sikosek
Gregor Sikosek Right Back
7.17
28
Ivan Canjuga
Ivan Canjuga Defensive Midfield
8.51
24
Mario Marina
Mario Marina Defensive Midfield
6.65
22
Luka Mamic
Luka Mamic Attacking Midfield
7.68

Starting XI ▼

99
Aleksa Todorovic
Aleksa Todorovic Goalkeeper
6.51
11
Gabriel Rukavina
Gabriel Rukavina Centre Forward
6.7
5
Alfonso Barco
Alfonso Barco Left Back
6.85
6
Branko Pavic
Branko Pavic Defensive Midfield
6.93
10
Toni Fruk
Toni Fruk Right Wing
8.85
4
Niko Jankovic
Niko Jankovic Attacking Midfield
7.29
45
Ante Majstorovic
Ante Majstorovic Right Back
7.27
26
Tiago Dantas
Tiago Dantas Defensive Midfield
7.87
18
Daniel Adu-Adjei
Daniel Adu-Adjei Left Wing
6.94
23
Justas Lasickas
Justas Lasickas Right Back
8.15
34
Mladen Devetak
Mladen Devetak Left Back
7.15

CONCLUSION

Rijeka enter as the marginally stronger side on power metrics yet face a home team positioned higher in the standings. Varaždin will look to leverage their domestic ranking and home environment to offset the visitors' form edge. With efficiency and set piece insights limited, the contest may hinge on structural discipline and in-game adjustments. Both sides operate in a narrow competitive band that rewards consistency across phases of play. The outcome could shift mid-table momentum depending on how each manages key moments without the benefit of extensive supporting data. This league meeting highlights the fine balance present in the division this season.