Varazdin vs Vukovar 1991 Prediction: 26.09.2025 1. HNL 2025/26

As the bustling regular season of 1. HNL 2025/26 rolls on, all eyes shift to Stadion Anđelko Herjavec, where Varazdin host debutants Vukovar 1991. It’s a fixture that, on paper, seems to place momentum squarely with the hosts, but football – as we know – relishes its surprises. What’s particularly intriguing here isn’t just Varazdin’s recent scoring flair, but the tactical puzzle facing the seasoned Gordon Schildenfeld as he attempts to stifle Nikola Safaric’s possession-centric side. If brains on the sidelines decide matches, we’re in for some chess on grass in Varazdin.

Aleksa Latkovic, Varazdin’s dynamic midfielder, is in scintillating form with three goals in his last five, while Vukovar 1991’s Robin Gonzalez netted a brace against Rijeka and could prove a decisive weapon on the counter. Both deserve a keen eye, as their recent contributions hint at where the game might hinge.

The ‘hot stat’? Varazdin’s 7-1 demolition job against GAJ Mace stands out not only for margin, but also for a demonstration of clinical finishing and squad depth seldom seen in their mid-table rivals.

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Varazdin vs Vukovar 1991 prediction

This one shapes up tantalisingly for punters. Varazdin are deserved favourites with strong home form (three wins in last five) and a steady goal output, netting six across their previous quintet. Their tactical approach under Safaric leans into short passing, with high tempo between the lines, and an impressive 72.5% average pass accuracy recently.

Vukovar 1991, while plucky and capable of snatching goals on transition, have struggled defensively away from home, conceding four to Osijek and a concerning 15 over seven matches – the most in the division. Still, their compact 4-2-3-1 set-up, engineered by Schildenfeld, keeps them in matches longer than most expect, but discipline will be a test: 6 yellows and 34 fouls in just five matches is living somewhat dangerously. Expect Varazdin to control the majority of possession, pressure down the flanks, and carve out several opportunities. However, with both sides favouring offensive transitions and neither quite ironclad at the back, backing goals seems prudent.

Team Analysis

Varazdin: The hosts are increasingly comfortable in their tactical skin, comfortably switching from a compact 4-2-3-1 off the ball to a fluid attacking unit on it. Their win against Hajduk Split (2-0) and the previously mentioned rout of GAJ Mace (7-1) cement their attacking potential. The slight hiccup against Lokomotiva Zagreb (0-1 loss) was more about wasted chances than being outplayed, as their 40 shots in five matches evidences. Aleksa Latkovic is the main instigator, combining midfield engine work with a goal threat; Ivan Mamut, sharply industrious upfront, always presses defenders into errors. Defensively, only 10 yellows and one red in five matches underline a measured aggression, though set pieces remain a minor vulnerability.

Vukovar 1991: Vukovar’s rollercoaster recent run (two wins, three losses) offers drama, if not consistency. Their dramatic 3-2 win over Rijeka highlighted attacking flashes and promise from Robin Gonzalez and Jakov Puljic. Yet, they also fell 0-4 to Osijek, exposed by pace and balls in behind. The numbers say it all: 34 fouls and just six yellows in their last five, suggesting a physical but not cynical streak, while 39 shots and nine corners flag a side not afraid to attack. Passing accuracy dips compared to their hosts (80.1% vs 72.5%) and their interception rate is considerably lower, indicating midfield vulnerability when pressed. In essence, Vukovar can sting, but their defensive lapses are likely to be exposed by slicker opposition like Varazdin.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full Varazdin vs Vukovar 1991 stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Varazdin the favourite

• Moneyline Varazdin 1.56 | Vukovar 1991 5.80
• Draw 3.65
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.88 | Under 2.5 1.85
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.70 | No 2.05

The odds cast Varazdin as clear frontrunners: their home resilience and scoring record justifies the 1.56 price, while Vukovar’s volatility and defensive woes put them as outsiders at 5.80. Still, with both sides showing a penchant for goals in recent matches and neither defence truly watertight, the value leans towards goal-heavy markets. The BTTS price reflects these trends – both have players in form who can hurt their opposite number, and the recent surge in shots per match is a nod to offensive intent on both sides, regardless of table position.

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Possible Starting Lineups

Varazdin possible starting eleven

Expect Safaric to stick by his trusted 4-2-3-1, ensuring stability at the back with Mladenovski’s experience and Ba’s ball-winning. Marina pairs with Latkovic for drive and composure in the centre, while the front pairing of Mamut and Dabro combines raw pressing with technical finishing – Mamut, in particular, has a knack for sniffing out half-chances. Wing-backs Boršić and Jovanov support transitions. Watch for Latkovic between the lines – he’s the pulse of Varazdin’s creativity.

Vukovar 1991 possible starting eleven

Vukovar 1991, under Schildenfeld, should keep their 4-2-3-1 with a deeper block. Henning and Pavicic offer some composure at the back, while Shabani and Gonzalez attempt to stem the Varazdin midfield. Puljic and Tormin up front give the guests direct pace and unpredictability – both able to pounce on the counter. Still, the side’s collective inexperience at this level could tell, especially as Varazdin look to pin them early.

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My take on the Match

We fancy Varazdin to take full points, leveraging superior home form, sharper attacking combinations, and a midfield diamond in Aleksa Latkovic. Vukovar 1991 are capable of troubling defences in bursts, but their tendency to bleed goals and discipline issues away from home weigh heavily. Expect Varazdin to exploit space in wide areas, and, although a full-on rout might be ambitious, a solid 3-1 or 2-1 result in favour of the hosts looks a fair call. As the season unfolds, Varazdin are showing signs of a playoff push, while Vukovar 1991 remain a work in progress, their best football perhaps still ahead this campaign.

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