Osijek vs Varazdin Prediction: A duel that promises an exciting football show

Form: LDLDW

With a new stadium and a very good team under the leadership of former Croatian national team player Stjepan Tomas, Osijek did not start the new season satisfactorily. In Europe, they were eliminated in the second stage of the qualification for the Conference League by Turkey's Adana after winning against Hungary's Zalaegerszeg, while in the league after seven rounds they achieved three wins, two draws, and two defeats and are currently in fifth place with 11 wins points. Recently, their form has been on the decline despite the most efficient attack in the entire league, and everything culminated in the last round with the worst game of the season so far and a 2:1 defeat at Rijeka. Osijek tied for two consecutive league defeats, so they have to celebrate in the new round against one of their direct competitors, and the situation will be made easier for them because the team's top scorer Mijo Caktas is returning to the team.

Form: WDLWD

Everyone scouted Varazdin well this season, so they no longer have the surprise factor like last year when they were the main hit of the championship in the first half of the season. They are currently in the middle of the table with ten points won with two wins, four draws, and only one defeat. The visitors enter into this match with a positive result and a victory over Istra in the previous round. They can't count on Lamine Ba, Belcar, and Sega in the lineup, but Pellumbi is coming back. Domagoj Drozdek is also returning to form so that Varazdin looks like a complete team that could once again upset the biggest. 

The last five matches between these teams look quite colorful, similar to the form of these teams. In the last five matches, Osijek managed to celebrate twice, and Varazdin also achieved two celebrations with one draw, while on Osijek's turf, the last five matches ended with one victory for Varazdin, two draws, and two celebrations for the hosts. Statistically, Osijek are currently the most effective team in the league with a huge average of three goals per game. They have the most efficient attack that scores as many as three goals per match, but what is holding back the club from the city on the Drava is a very poor defensive performance and as many as 15 conceded goals in the first seven rounds. On the other hand, at the beginning of the season, Varazdin are also in a mood with an average of 3.1 goals per game, so in my opinion, there is no doubt about the bet for this match, over 2.5 goals and both teams to score is also a good option.