Rijeka vs Dinamo Zagreb Prediction: The pressure is definitely on the home team

The derby of the 35th round of SuperSport HNL is scheduled for Rujevica. Rijeka will host Dinamo Zagreb on Sunday (20:30). The Blues, of course, have much less to lose. The pressure is on the hosts, who from the fourth position and 49 points are hunting for the best possible European position, while their main competitor is the third-placed Osijek (49). Dinamo Zagreb have already confirmed the defense of the title in the HNL and they have two honorable rounds left until the end of the season. This week, the Blues visit Rijeka, which they have dominated for years. The last time Rijeka beat Dinamo Zagreb in the championship was at the beginning of 2021. Rijeka were reborn in the second half of the season and it seems that this is the ideal opportunity to overcome a great opponent and seal their ticket for the European season.

Form: LDWWL

For Rijeka, in terms of importance, today's match is far more important than the new-old champion Dinamo. At the moment, Rijeka are in a close and dramatic battle for Europe with Osijek and Istra, who have only three points less than them, which is why this round derby can bear the fateful epithet for the host. After two victories over Lokomotiva and Slaven Belupo, the club from Kvarner faltered in the last two rounds, recording a draw in the local derby with Istraa, in which they saved a point literally in the last seconds, while this was followed by a shocking defeat and blow in Varazdin, where they suffered a heavy defeat of 2:0 against one of the main competitors for Europe. Rijeka are in fourth place in the table with 48 points after 34 games played. So far, Rijeka have recorded 14 wins and losses with 6 draws and a goal difference of 42-41. At home, Rijeka have 6 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses with a goal difference of 20-21. In the last five games, Rijeka achieved two wins and one loss with one draw, and in the last game, they were defeated 2-0 by Varazdin.

Form: WDDWD

Dinamo's players are certainly with the thoughts already on a more than deserved rest, so it will be interesting to see who the new coach Igor Biscan will send to the fire at Rujevica. As their opponent is currently one of the most demanding in the league with the greatest growth in form in the second half of the season, we can expect a mixed lineup with several experienced players who should hold the backbone of the team. Dinamo are playing without a result imperative against a team that desperately needs points, and Rijeka's performance and mentality will surely be significantly affected by the results of the meeting between Istra at Lokomotiva on Sunday.

Rijeka have very large fluctuations in form during the entire season, which is not the case with Dinamo. This match has a much greater meaning for Rijeka, because they are currently in the last place that leads to Europe. It's been a long time since Rijeka beat Dinamo and maybe now is the time. Nevertheless, it is too much to bet on the victory of Rijeka, but the double chance given the odds is an excellent choice.