Rijeka vs Istra 1961 Prediction: Derby between neighbors “Derby della Ucka”

The main focus this Saturday as part of the 33rd round of SuperSport HNL will be on the derby between Rijeka and Istra, which will have a serious impact on the fight for Europe. After a turbulent start to the season, Rijeka found theirs form in the second part of the season and are currently one of the best teams in the championship. This week, Istra, which cannot boast of theirs current form, arrives in Rijeka. Rijeka managed to get a place that can take them to European competition next season. Their excellent form in the last couple of weeks makes them big favorites in the duel against Istra.

Form: WWLWW

As we predicted, under the leadership of new coach Sergej Jakirovic, Rijeka experienced a real renaissance and take off in the second half-season. They are currently where they belong in terms of quality, namely in third place, and very motivated and in great form, they welcome their neighbor from Pula in a mini derby. "Derby della Ucka" last time ended 2:0 in favor of Rijeka, who are returning to their stadium Rujevica after a very busy schedule, three games within only ten days in which they won six out of a possible nine points. Rijeka are in third place in the ranking with 47 points after 32 games played, which is 12 less than the second-placed Hajduk. Rijeka have recorded 14 wins, 5 draws, and even 13 defeats with a goal difference of 40-37. They still don't have a convincing result at home where they achieved 6 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses with a goal difference of 18-19. In the last five games, Rijeka have 4 victories and welcomes Istra after a 3-1 victory on the road at Slaven Belupo.

Form: WLDDD

Just in the last derby match between these teams, the best scorer of Istra, Ante Erceg, earned a draconian punishment and suspension due to his inappropriate behavior. It is interesting that this Saturday he will return to the team against the same opponent. A very important duel because Istra would come closer to Rijeka by only three points with a possible surprise and celebration in Rujevica and at the same time to only one point to fourth-placed Osijek and the last spot that leads to European competition. Istra are currently in fifth place in HNL with 41 points. Istrians have 10 wins, 11 draws, and 11 losses with a goal difference of 31-32. They achieved 3 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses on away games with a goal difference of 16-22. After three draws, Istria lost 1-0 on the road in Osijek, and in the last round, they defeated Sibenik 3-0, which was their first win in 7 games.

Rijeka have been playing great lately and is deservedly among the top 3 teams in the championship. Rijeka found their game at both ends of the pitch. They hardly concede goals, and it seems that they manage to use their opportunities in attack to win. Istra have no continuity in the game and this will be another difficult away game for them. With the return of the great scorer Ante Erceg, the morale in the Istra’s dressing room will further increase after a convincing 3:0 victory over Sibenik, which ended a negative streak of six consecutive rounds without a win. However, in this derby I am more inclined to the host and the favorite from whom I expect a celebration, Rijeka will control the tempo of the game and manage to win, most likely without conceding a goal, which was also the case in their last meeting when Rijeka won 2-0.