Rijeka vs Slaven Belupo Prediction: Rijeka are in great form and can continue their good strike

Rijeka and Slaven Belupo will play at famous “Rujevica” in the match of the 23rd round of SuperSport HNL on Saturday from 20:10. The hosts with new coach Sergej Jakirovic are playing excellent football, while Zekic's Slaven Belupo are struggling in the spring part of the season. At this moment, Rijeka is certainly not the best opponent to break the bad streak for the visiting team, which are struggling with form and scoring goals.

After the change of coach, Rijeka really looks great. Similar to Istra, they are in a great growth of form which they will try to take advantage of this Saturday against the unstable Belupo. A point against Osijek followed by celebrations over Lokomotiva, Gorica and Sibenik lifted them all the way to sixth place and one step away from returning to the European fight. For that, they need another step forward, i.e. a win and three points in this match. Sergej Jakirovic, by making tactical changes and bringing in some new players, changed the blood picture of the home team. However, the defensive stability brought by the new coach to Rijeka's ranks should be crucial and gives the best value to under goals. Rijeka's defense looks very good and they will need it to achieve results, while Belupo is still playing at a solid defensive level despite the setbacks.

Slaven Belupo players and coach Zoran Zekic have every right to be dissatisfied after the missed chances against Sibenik and the home defeat that throws them into a disadvantageous position in the fight for European places. They did not expect this, and now they will try to come out against the strong Rijeka in one of the most demanding away games in the league at the moment. It will be difficult for them to get points away from home against a team that looks like a team that should be fighting for Europe. Istra has proven that it is possible to return to the race, while at the moment it seems that Rijeka could also join the fight for European positions. The three starters from the match against Sibenik, Soldo, Marina, and Martinaga, will be unavailable due to cards, which will create additional headaches for the guests in addition to their poor form. They are only one point above Rijeka and six points away from Europe, and a new setback would mean a drop, perhaps, to seventh place.

Slaven Belupo is not in the best offensive shape and at this moment can only survive with a good defensive performance and a match with a low number of goals. Betting on under seems like the best option, while the more brave one can combine it with a home win.