Varazdin vs Osijek Prediction: Fight for top 4

In the 17th round of the SuperSport Croatian Football League, Varazdin hosts Osijek in front of their home crowd in a match that could potentially decide their place in the Top 4 of the league table. This is also Varazdin's last home game in 2024, and its significance is enormous, both sportingly and psychologically.

Varazdin

Form: DWDDD

Varazdin are currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak, making them one of the most consistent teams in the league in the final round. They have already demolished big opponents like Hajduk and Rijeka at home this year, and now they will have the chance to secure a Top 4 spot with a win over their direct competitor, Osijek. Varaždin enters this match without suspended players, and there are no problems with injuries either. Varazdin’s manager Nikola Safaric is currently doing an excellent job, leading his team to fourth place in the SuperSport HNL table with 25 points won in 16 games played.

Osijek

Form: WLDDW

After three wins in five HNL matches, Osijek were stopped by Slaven Belupo and defeated 3:2 in Koprivnica. This did not deter Federico Coppitelli, who quickly in the last round returned the team to winning ways. Now they gave a very difficult away game in Varazdin. After an excellent match in the previous round of HNL and a high 3:0 victory over Lokomotiv, Osijek are full of confidence before the encounter in Varazdin. Looking at the last ten HNL matches, Osijek have won the most points (20). The numbers speak for them, in the last ten matches they are the best team in the league.

Expert Betting Tips

Varazdin and Osijek have already met three times this year. Varazdin celebrated on the road in Osijek in March, but Osijek have won the last two meetings, which further increases the challenge facing the hosts. This match, known as the Drava derby, is another opportunity for Varazdin to show that they can handle the strongest. It is also an opportunity for Varazdin to strengthen their fortress of the stadium in Varazdin because this season only Dinamo managed to leave Varazdin with three points. Osijek on the other hand have the opportunity to show why this team was considered as a title challenger before the start of the season. I expect a tough match which I believe will end in a draw. However, I expect goals from both teams in this derby duel.