Varaždin vs Rudeš preview

Croatia flag 2026/2027 1. HNL, Croatia
Stadion Anđelko Herjavec
1. HNL
VaraždinNKV
RudešRudeš
KICKOFF :
Round 5 Regular Season

CONTEXT

Varaždin welcomes Rudeš to Stadion Anđelko Herjavec in what promises to be a compelling regular season fixture in the 2026/2027 1. HNL campaign. As the home side, Varaždin boasts a commanding power score of 70.48, significantly outpacing Rudeš's 30.76 and establishing a 39.7-point advantage that underscores their status as the stronger team. Currently sitting third in the league table, Varaždin looks to leverage their superior positioning against a Rudeš side languishing in ninth place. The disparity in form is equally stark, with the hosts registering 37.5 compared to the visitors' modest 12.5. This encounter highlights the challenges facing the away team as they seek to bridge the gap in quality and momentum. Analytical metrics point to Varaždin's dominance in several key areas, setting the stage for a match where home advantage could prove decisive. The tactical battle will likely revolve around how Rudeš attempts to neutralize Varaždin's strengths while exploiting any potential vulnerabilities.

TL;DR

  • Structural: Varaždin holds a 39.7 point power advantage over Rudeš.
  • Form: Varaždin's form score stands at 37.5 while Rudeš's is 12.5.
  • Squad: Varaždin is the stronger team according to power metrics.
  • Efficiency: Efficiency data is not available for this fixture.
  • Transition: Transition play analysis remains unavailable due to limited metrics.
  • Set pieces: Set piece performance shows low confidence with proxy data used for both teams.
  • xVariable: League positions are third for Varaždin and ninth for Rudeš in domestic standings.
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
Rudeš A. Peternac
A. Peternac
1.88
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
0.75
2.5 i
Last 6 Opponents
Dinamo Zagreb Rank: 83 L
Rijeka Rank: 74 W
Slaven Koprivnica Rank: 64 W
Hajduk Split Rank: 75 W
Istra 1961 Rank: 65 W
Vukovar Rank: 57 W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
0.75 i
Last 6 Opponents
Lokomotiva Zagreb Rank: 67 W
Dinamo Zagreb Rank: 84 L
Osijek Rank: 66 L
Rijeka Rank: 71 L
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 0
0
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.
70.48
30.76
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Varaždin
Rudeš
Power Score
70.48
30.76
League Position
3
9
Global Rank
237
862

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

STARTING XI - EXPECTED

Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Match Formation 4-3-1-2
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Competition
2026/2027 1. HNL, Croatia · Round 5 · Regular Season
Stadium
Stadion Anđelko Herjavec
Capacity
10800
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Marko Crnojević
Kristijan Novosel
Marko Reljan
Ivana Martinčić

Expected Lineup

Referee : Marko Crnojević

Starting XI ▼

33
Josip Silic
Josip Silic Goalkeeper
7.52
17
Ivan Mamut
Ivan Mamut Centre Forward
7.18
20
Gregor Sikosek
Gregor Sikosek Left Back
6.96
23
Frane Maglica
Frane Maglica Right Back
6.64
28
Ivan Canjuga
Ivan Canjuga Defensive Midfield
7.8
10
Aleksa Latkovic
Aleksa Latkovic Right Wing
6.98
38
Iuri Tavares
Iuri Tavares Left Wing
6.94
13
Mario Mladenovski
Mario Mladenovski Right Back
7.19
16
Novak Tepsic
Novak Tepsic Left Back
6.81
22
Luka Mamic
Luka Mamic Attacking Midfield
7.09
24
Mario Marina
Mario Marina Defensive Midfield
6.65
Referee : Marko Crnojević

Starting XI ▼

95
Lovre Rogic
Lovre Rogic Goalkeeper
7.07
7
Lenny Ilecic
Lenny Ilecic Attacker
6.9
11
Jurica Poldrugac
Jurica Poldrugac Attacker
7.15
20
Jakov Blagaic
Jakov Blagaic Attacking Midfield
6.44
5
Marko Stolnik
Marko Stolnik Right Back
6.64
2
Toni Kolega
Toni Kolega Left Back
6.48
4
Vedran Celjak
Vedran Celjak Left Back
6.98
14
Bruno Unusic
Bruno Unusic Right Back
6.07
15
Noa Skoko
Noa Skoko Central Midfield
7
24
Ivan Djoric
Ivan Djoric Central Midfield
6.15
28
Xavi
Xavi Central Midfield
6.78

CONCLUSION

Overall, Varaždin enters this fixture with clear advantages in power, form, and league position, making them the team to watch in this 1. HNL matchup. Their ability to control proceedings at home could dictate the flow of the game against a Rudeš outfit that has struggled to find consistency. Key areas such as efficiency and transitions will be critical as both sides look to impose their game plans. Set pieces may offer opportunities if the match becomes tight, though data remains limited. The xVariable elements suggest potential for surprises, but the structural edge lies firmly with the hosts. Fans can expect a match where Varaždin's superior squad depth and organization give them the upper hand in pursuing a positive result. This game represents an important opportunity for both teams to solidify their standings as the season progresses.