Liam Duckstein
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Varazdin sit joint-top of the 1. HNL table with 12 points from five games, and they host an Istra 1961 side that has been far less convincing this season. The interesting angle here is that Istra arrive having scored 11 goals in five league matches, the joint-highest tally in the division, yet their defensive record tells a very different story. This clash at Stadion Anđelko Herjavec could be more open than the standings suggest.
Two players stand out as ones to watch. Ivan Canjuga has been sharp for Varazdin, contributing 3 goals and 1 assist across his last four appearances and consistently threatening from forward positions. For Istra, Hamza Jaganjac is the man in form, netting 4 goals with 1 assist in four recent outings and drawing fouls at a high rate with 8 committed against him.
A hot stat worth flagging: Istra 1961 have scored 11 goals in just five 1. HNL matches this season, matching Osijek and Hajduk Split for the highest total in the division. That attacking output makes them dangerous even on the road, despite their inconsistent results.
| 🏆 Tournament: | 1. HNL 2026/27 Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | Stadion Anđelko Herjavec, Varazdin |
| 🗓️ Date: | 04.09.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 20:00 CEST |
Varazdin vs Istra 1961 Prediction
Varazdin are in excellent domestic form, having won four of their last five matches. They beat Rudes 2-0 in their most recent outing and have the look of a side with real structure and confidence. Istra have drawn two of their last five, losing two more, and their away record this season gives little reason to back them on the road.
The head-to-head history shows Istra have won three of the last four meetings between these sides, but the most recent encounter went to Varazdin 2-0 at this very ground. Playing at home, with superior form and a clear edge in the standings, Varazdin look the right side to back. We predict a Varazdin win, with goals at both ends a real possibility given Istra’s attacking numbers and Varazdin’s own tendency to score freely.
Varazdin average fewer fouls per game across their last five matches (46 total) compared to Istra’s 45, which is near identical, but Istra have picked up 6 yellow cards to Varazdin’s 5. Both sides play a 4-2-3-1 shape, meaning the midfield battle will be tight and physical. Istra’s 46 interceptions compared to Varazdin’s 38 suggests they press and disrupt more actively, which could create a choppy, foul-heavy game. Varazdin’s pass accuracy of 79.9% edges Istra’s 80.5% slightly, so possession will likely be fairly even. The corner count for both sides sits at 18 each across five games, pointing to an active wide game from both teams.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Varazdin to win & Both Teams to Score |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 7.5 |
Team Analysis
Varazdin have been one of the more consistent sides in the early 1. HNL 2026/27 season. Their only loss came against Dinamo Zagreb, who are unbeaten this term. Outside of that result, they have beaten Rudes 2-0, Rijeka 2-0, Slaven Belupo 4-1, and Hajduk Split 2-1. The win over Hajduk in particular stands out given that Hajduk are currently fourth in the table. Nikola Safaric’s side have found goals throughout the squad, not just from one source, which makes them harder to stop.
Istra 1961 have been unpredictable. They drew 2-2 with Dinamo Zagreb in their last match, a result that looks impressive on paper, but they also lost 3-2 to Rijeka and 3-2 to Lokomotiva Zagreb earlier in the season. Their 3-0 win over Slaven Belupo showed what they can do when things click. Javier Cabello’s team scores regularly but concedes too often, and that pattern is a problem on the road against a side as organised as Varazdin.
🚨Check out our dedicated Varazdin vs Istra 1961 stats page for more info.
Pre-game Odds and Win Probability: Varazdin the Favourite
- Moneyline Varazdin 1.77 | Istra 1961 4.10
- Draw 3.55
The bookmakers’ average of 52% for a Varazdin win feels fair given their home advantage and current form. The 4.10 on Istra is generous enough to tempt, but the underlying stats do not support backing them here. Varazdin at 1.77 to 1.80 represents reasonable value for a home side sitting joint-top of the table. The draw at 3.55 is not worth chasing given how differently the two sides have performed in recent weeks.
Possible Starting Lineups
Varazdin Possible Starting Eleven
- GK: Josip Silic
- DF: Mario Mladenovski, Frane Maglica, Gregor Sikošek, Novak Tepsic
- MF: Mario Marina, Luka Mamic
- MF: Aleksa Latkovic, Iuri Tavares, Matej Vuk
- FW: Ivan Canjuga
Varazdin look set to line up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 shape. Josip Silic has been the clear first-choice goalkeeper, appearing in four of the last five matches. The back four of Mladenovski, Maglica, Sikošek, and Tepsic has offered good stability, with Sikošek also contributing two assists. In the double pivot, Marina and Mamic provide the defensive cover that allows Latkovic to push higher and express himself. Latkovic has scored twice in four recent games and is the player to watch in midfield. Up front, Ivan Canjuga leads the line and has been the most productive attacker in the squad with three goals and one assist.
Istra 1961 Possible Starting Eleven
- GK: Franko Kolic
- DF: Mohamed Nasraoui, Niko Šepić, Rene Hrvatin, Samuli Miettinen
- MF: Daouda Doumbia, Gustavo Albarracin
- MF: Ivan Saranic, Dukan Ahmeti, Emil Frederiksen
- FW: Hamza Jaganjac
Franko Kolic starts in goal after making 16 saves across four recent matches. The back four is anchored by Nasraoui and Šepić, who have both been near-ever-present. Doumbia and Albarracin sit in the double pivot, with Saranic operating just ahead of them. Emil Frederiksen has been productive from a wide or second-striker role, scoring twice with two assists, and he carries a genuine goal threat. Jaganjac leads the attack in a 4-2-3-1 structure and is the main danger man Varazdin’s defence will need to handle.
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Varazdin. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
Varazdin are the right side to back here. They are at home, in strong form, and have already beaten Hajduk Split and Rijeka this season. Their squad depth means Nikola Safaric can rotate without losing quality, and Ivan Canjuga in particular has been sharp in front of goal.
Istra will not sit deep. They have scored in every game this season and Jaganjac is a constant threat. That attacking intent, combined with Varazdin’s own willingness to score, makes Both Teams to Score a natural fit alongside a home win. We predict Varazdin to win with goals at both ends, and the corner market over 7.5 looks well-supported given both teams’ wide-play tendencies across their last five matches.
