Varaždin vs Istra 1961 predictions, Sep 04, 2026

Yuriy Borshchenko

3 weeks ago

Croatian HNL, on Friday, 2:00 pm ET

Score, Highlights

Short Preview

On September 4, 2026, NK Varaždin is set to host Istra 1961 in a crucial Croatian HNL matchup. Currently, Varaždin is in impressive form, having secured victory in 4 of their last 5 matches. This strong run not only showcases their tactical efficiency in both defense and attack, but also reflects their growing confidence as they aim for a stronger finish in the league standings.

In contrast, Istra 1961 has struggled recently, managing only one win in their last five outings. The visitors will need to improve their form significantly to pose a real threat to a robust Varaždin side. Tactical adjustments will be imperative for Istra, particularly in their offensive play, where they have found it challenging to convert opportunities into goals.

The bookmakers favor Varaždin with odds of 1.74 for a home win, emphasizing their stronger position in the current season. Our model forecasts a 55.2% probability of a home victory, alongside a 23.3% chance of a draw and a 21.8% likelihood of an away win for Istra 1961. As both teams prepare to clash, football fans can expect a competitive match, though recent trends suggest Varaždin may hold the upper hand.

This preview is generated with the Welcome.Bet AI Insights Engine, combining form data, betting odds, and semantic SEO optimization to deliver relevant match analysis for fans and bettors alike from 2026-08-31T09:52:03+00:00.

Varaždin
54.7%

Draw
24%

Istra 1961
21.2%

Prediction (the most likely score): 2:1

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Watch and Bet Varaždin – Istra 1961 available at: Bet Now (Full Screen)

Betting Odds

1	X	2
1.68	4.00	4.40
1.69	3.87	4.52
1.74	3.40	3.80
1.69	3.92	4.47	Watch and Bet
1.65	3.75	4.40
1.66	4.07	4.48

Latest Results

29.08.26 NK Varaždin – NK Rudeš – 2:0
22.08.26 Dinamo Zagreb – NK Varaždin – 3:1
16.08.26 NK Varaždin – HNK Rijeka – 2:0
09.08.26 NK Slaven Belupo – NK Varaždin – 1:4
02.08.26 NK Varaždin – Hajduk Split – 2:1

29.08.26 Istra 1961 – Dinamo Zagreb – 2:2
23.08.26 HNK Rijeka – Istra 1961 – 3:2
15.08.26 Istra 1961 – NK Slaven Belupo – 3:0
09.08.26 Hajduk Split – Istra 1961 – 2:2
01.08.26 Istra 1961 – NK Lokomotiva Zagreb – 2:3

Facts

This match features a clash between the league leader and a mid-table team (ranked 2 in the zone Promotion ~ Europa League (Qualification: ) and 7).

In the last 5 head-to-head matches, Varaždin won 1.

Varaždin is in very good shape right now (last 5 games: 4 wins).

Istra 1961 has been unpredictable lately (in the last 5 games, wins – 1).

In this match, Varaždin is a strong favorite.

We predict that Varaždin will win today’s game, with odds of 1.69.

In the last 20 head-to-head matches, Varaždin won 6 matches, drew 7 matches, lost 7 matches, and goals 18:22. (average 0.9:1.1).

Including home matches between the teams, Varaždin won 4 matches, drew 5 matches, lost 2 matches, and goals 13:12. (average 1.2:1.1).

Latest Head To Head

23.05.26 NK Varaždin – Istra 1961 – 2:0
20.03.26 Istra 1961 – NK Varaždin – 2:1
19.12.25 NK Varaždin – Istra 1961 – 1:3
03.10.25 Istra 1961 – NK Varaždin – 1:0
11.05.25 Istra 1961 – NK Varaždin – 0:0

Standings

		Pl	W	D	L		Diff	Pts
1	Osijek	5	4	0	1	12:5	7	12
2	Varazdin	5	4	0	1	11:5	6	12
3	Din. Zagreb	4	3	1	0	11:3	8	10
4	Hajduk Split	4	2	1	1	9:5	4	7
5	Rijeka	3	2	0	1	5:5	0	6
6	Lok. Zagreb	4	2	0	2	7:8	-1	6
7	Istra 1961	5	1	2	2	11:10	1	5
8	Rudes	5	1	0	4	6:15	-9	3
9	Slaven Belupo	5	1	0	4	3:12	-9	3
10	Gorica	4	0	0	4	2:9	-7	0

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