Arjun Menon
Vukovar 1991 hosts Varazdin at Gradski Vrt Stadium, but the match-up feels anything but homey for the underdogs. This isn’t just a clash between tenth and fourth in the table, it’s two teams with streaks heading in opposite directions. Vukovar’s survival bid grows more desperate by the week, while Varazdin can sniff a top three finish. There’s tension here, not buzz—both squads have shown moments of grit but lack consistency. Jakov Puljić, with four goals in his last five games, has been Vukovar’s lone bright spot; meanwhile, Iuri Tavares for Varazdin, two goals and an assist over the same span, represents a different kind of threat, one that punishes defensive lapses.
Hot stat: Vukovar has conceded 65 goals this season, the worst in the division, and their -31 goal difference is the largest gap between any two teams in the league table.
| 🏆 Tournament: | 1. HNL 2025/26 Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | Gradski Vrt Stadium, Osijek |
| 🗓️ Date: | 15.05.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 18:00 CEST |
Vukovar 1991 vs Varazdin prediction
We think the best value bet here is Varazdin to win. The visitors hold a win rate of 43% over the season, while Vukovar languishes at 25%. Vukovar’s defensive record is a mess, and recent form paints a bleak picture: just two wins in their last ten. Varazdin haven’t been spectacular, but they’re simply more reliable, especially away from home, and their recent string of wins signals a team with confidence. Both teams play a 4-2-3-1 formation, but Varazdin is more disciplined. In their last five, they’ve committed fewer fouls (56 to Vukovar’s 66) and picked up just 10 yellow cards, compared to Vukovar’s 19. That composure might be the difference—Vukovar gets reckless under pressure, which often leads to breakdowns. Varazdin’s ball movement, more passes completed at higher accuracy, gives them the edge in controlling the match tempo.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Varazdin to win & Over 2.5 goals |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Vukovar’s last five matches offer little hope. They scraped a win against Osijek, but were outclassed 0-3 by Rijeka and couldn’t hang onto leads. The 2-2 against Slaven Belupo sums up their season: flashes of energy, then fading into chaos. Puljić is a finisher, not a creator, and if he doesn’t get service, Vukovar dries up. Their passing accuracy has dipped below 74% in recent games, too many long balls, not enough composure in midfield. The defense, led by Nikita Vlasenko and Moreno Zivkovic, gets stretched, often forcing the goalkeeper into frantic saves. Nerves, fouls, and yellow cards become routine as the match wears on.
Varazdin, on the other hand, are streaky but dangerous. Their recent 1-1 with Lokomotiva Zagreb felt like two points lost rather than one gained, but a convincing 2-0 over Osijek and a narrow win against Rijeka show they can grind out results. Tavares and Matej Vuk offer movement up front, while Aleksa Latkovic can pick passes from deep. Defensively, they’re not watertight—Mario Mladenovski’s red card still fresh in memory—but they don’t panic, even under pressure. Their pass accuracy hovers around 76%, and the midfield rarely lets games get away from them.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Vukovar 1991 | Varazdin |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3 | 4 |
| Total shots | 46 | 33 |
| Corner kicks | 16 | 13 |
| Total fouls | 66 | 56 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 73.3 | 76.5 |
| Interceptions | 53 | 44 |
| Offsides | 5 | 5 |
🚨Check out our dedicated Vukovar 1991 vs Varazdin stats page for more info.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Varazdin the favourite
- Moneyline Vukovar 1991 3.80 | Varazdin 1.89
- Draw 3.60
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.95 | Under 2.5 1.85
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.74 | No 2.00
Bookmakers don’t rate Vukovar’s chances. The 25% win probability for the home side is almost optimistic given their form. Varazdin’s price has dropped compared to previous meetings, reflecting growing confidence among punters. The Over 2.5 goals market is nearly evens, which fits: both sides leak goals and create just enough chances. Both Teams to Score is a popular pick—neither defense inspires trust, but Varazdin’s attack is sharper. Vukovar’s only hope? A chaotic game, catching Varazdin off-guard, but our team thinks that’s not worth backing at these odds.
Possible Starting Lineups
Vukovar 1991 possible starting eleven
- GK: Marino Bulat
- DF: Nikita Vlasenko, Moreno Zivkovic, Kristijan Čabrajić, Jakov Gurlica
- MF: Robin Gonzalez, Vito Caic, Eniss Shabani, Lovro Banovec
- FW: Jakov Puljić, Simun Butic
Bulat has been the go-to in goal, and the defensive quartet simply reflects those most trusted by Stipic—though “trusted” might be a stretch given the goals shipped. Gonzalez and Shabani provide a thin creative link in midfield. Puljić is the main threat, while Butic’s work rate gets him the nod up top. Stipic sticks with 4-2-3-1 but might tweak roles if things get desperate.
Varazdin possible starting eleven
- GK: Josip Silic
- DF: Frane Maglica, Novak Tepsic, Antonio Borsic, Sven Lesjak
- MF: Mario Marina, Tomislav Duvnjak, Aleksa Latkovic
- FW: Iuri Tavares, Matej Vuk, luka mamic
Silic has featured most at keeper recently. Maglica leads the defense, with Lesjak and Borsic forming a physical back line. Duvnjak and Marina keep things ticking in midfield. Tavares and Vuk offer movement and goals, Latkovic slides in just behind them. Expect a familiar 4-2-3-1—Safaric rarely tinkers with what works. Tavares is the danger man; if he gets space, Vukovar is in trouble.
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Varazdin. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
TipsGG Match Prediction
We think Varazdin takes this. Not because they’re brilliant, but because Vukovar are just too fragile right now. Puljić can only do so much with scraps, and the midfield can’t shield the defense. Varazdin’s attackers are opportunistic, and their midfield isn’t afraid to get stuck in or take risks. The stats tell a story: better pass accuracy, fewer cards, more structure. If Vukovar get ahead, nerves will set in. If they fall behind, heads drop. For us, Varazdin to win, goals at both ends, and the home fans heading home early.
