The 1. HNL 2025/26 regular season brings us an intriguing match-up between Vukovar 1991 and Slaven Belupo, two teams in the thick of a hotly contested lower-table battle. Both sides are eager to turn recent mediocre form into critical points as they look to climb out of the bottom half. The venue, Gradski Vrt Stadium in Osijek, sets the scene for this encounter, with both clubs having claimed just a single victory in their last five games. The tactical similarity—both managers usually favoring a 4-2-3-1 system—sets the stage for a tightly matched affair, but it is the individual battles within that system which may prove decisive.
Keep an eye on Lovro Banovec for Vukovar 1991, whose direct play and work rate upfront have been pivotal in generating attacking moments, while for Slaven Belupo, Ilija Nestorovski’s sharp instincts in front of goal make him a perennial threat. Notably, both teams have leaned heavily on their wide players for chance creation, a pattern that could again shape the flow of this contest.
A standout stat? Slaven Belupo have notched up 67 total shots in their last five games—demonstrating a high offensive volume, albeit with only four goals resulting from those efforts.
| 🏆 Tournament: | 1. HNL 2025/26 Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | Gradski Vrt Stadium, Osijek |
| 🗓️ Date: | 20.02.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:00 CEST |
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Vukovar 1991 vs Slaven Belupo Prediction
The odds reflect the razor-thin margin between these teams, with a slight edge handed to Slaven Belupo by bookmakers. The best value, however, lies in the Draw No Bet market favoring Slaven Belupo (DNB2). Despite identical form in the last five outings, Slaven Belupo have exhibited greater offensive intent and shooting volume, which could tip the balance if they convert chances at even a moderate rate.
Both teams prefer working through midfield in their 4-2-3-1 shapes, but Slaven Belupo’s slightly higher pass accuracy (84% vs 71%) indicates a more cohesive approach in possession. Disciplinary statistics are also telling: with 8 yellows for Vukovar and 7 for Belupo across the last five matches, expect competitive physical battles but not an unruly contest. Set pieces could be influential—Belupo have claimed 17 corners compared to Vukovar’s 12 in recent matches, offering another path to a potential breakthrough.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Draw No Bet: Slaven Belupo |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Vukovar 1991 Recent Matches:
Vukovar 1991’s last five games have underscored their defensive vulnerability and goal-scoring struggles, despite a positive 3-2 home win over Istra 1961 that broke a tough spell. Their goalless draw against Gorica showed improved compactness at the back—a trait they’ll need against a shot-happy Belupo. Key attackers like Banovec and Puljić have offered some spark, but efficiency in front of goal remains inconsistent. The tendency to concede late and the inability to manage transitions defensively are persistent issues.
Slaven Belupo Recent Matches:
Slaven Belupo’s five-game record mirrors Vukovar’s, though their 2-0 win over Lokomotiva Zagreb showcased their ability to press and capitalize on turnovers. Even in defeat, Belupo’s approach remains aggressive—accumulating 67 shots in five games, but turning those chances into only four goals. With decent pass accuracy and increased set-piece threat, Belupo remain dangerous but occasionally lack composure on the final ball. Nestorovski’s dynamism up top and Mitrović’s wing play are particular assets.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Vukovar 1991 | Slaven Belupo |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 4 | 8 |
| Total shots | 24 | 33 |
| Free kicks | 31 | 30 |
| Corner kicks | 15 | 17 |
| Total fouls | 27 | 23 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 71 | 84 |
| Interceptions | 13 | 12 |
| Offsides | 9 | 8 |
🚨Read our full Vukovar 1991 vs Slaven Belupo stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Slaven Belupo the favourite
- Moneyline Vukovar 1991 2.65–2.79 | Slaven Belupo 2.35–2.52
- Draw 3.00–3.22
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.15 | Under 2.5 1.73
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.78 | No 1.97
The odds show just how evenly matched these teams are, with a marginal tilt toward Slaven Belupo, likely driven by superior recent shooting numbers and a slightly higher standing in the table. Punters should be mindful of the Under 2.5 goals line: with both clubs underperforming in attack lately and previous head-to-heads tending toward low-scoring games, a cagey, tight affair is probable.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Possible Starting Lineups

Vukovar 1991 possible starting eleven
- GK: Denis Pintol
- DF: Kristijan Pavicic, Mario Tadic, Mario Tičinović, Kerim Calhanoglu
- MF: Alen Jurilj, Robin Gonzalez, Vito Caic, Moreno Zivkovic
- FW: Lovro Banovec, Jakov Puljić
With a 4-2-3-1 formation, expect Denis Pintol to retain the gloves, having logged steady performances. Pavicic, Tadic, Tičinović, and Calhanoglu offer a blend of youth and physicality in defense. Jurilj and Gonzalez serve as the double pivot, allowing Caic and Zivkovic to support a front three. Up front, Banovec and Puljić have been goal threats and could prove pivotal if Vukovar are to break Belupo’s line. Watch for Tičinović’s runs from deep and Banovec’s off-the-ball movement.

Slaven Belupo possible starting eleven
- GK: Osman Hadžikić
- DF: Tomislav Božić, Dominik Kovačić, Antonio Jakir, Leonard Žuta
- MF: Ivan Cubelic, Ljuban Crepulja, Filip Kruselj, Gabrijel Sivalec
- FW: Ilija Nestorovski, Josip Mitrović
Belupo’s likely 4-2-3-1 setup features Hadžikić in goal and an established back line of Božić, Kovačić, Jakir, and Žuta. Cubelic and Crepulja—both tactically versatile—anchor midfield, with Kruselj and Sivalec offering width. Nestorovski leads the attack, flanked by the hard-running Mitrović. This lineup provides a good blend of experience and forward impetus, with special attention warranted for Nestorovski’s clinical finishing and Mitrović’s wide play.
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Slaven Belupo. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
My take on the Match
Given the near-identical form books and the statistical edge in offensive creation for Slaven Belupo, my main pick for this encounter is Draw No Bet: Slaven Belupo. The rationale is underpinned by their stronger pass accuracy, more robust shooting stats, and a slightly better track record in recent head-to-heads. However, neither side’s attack inspires much confidence at present—leading me to favor low goal markets as well. Expect a tactical tussle, and possibly a critical moment from a set piece or a single lapse in concentration.

