Varaždin vs Rijeka predictions, Aug 16, 2026

Score, Highlights

Short Preview

As NK Varaždin prepares to host HNK Rijeka on August 16, 2026, both teams bring impressive recent form into this Croatian HNL matchup. NK Varaždin has demonstrated resilience, winning 4 of their last 5 matches. Their tactical approach often emphasizes a strong defensive structure combined with quick counterattacks, which has paid dividends in recent performances.

In contrast, HNK Rijeka has been in outstanding form, securing victories in all of their last 5 outings. Their playstyle is characterized by a cohesive possession-based game, complemented by dynamic movement in the attacking third. This fluidity allows them to exploit defensive gaps and create goal-scoring opportunities.

Bookmakers have priced the match with odds of 3.33 for a home win and 2.16 for an away victory, reflecting a competitive dynamic. Our model assigns a 27.3% probability for a Varaždin win, a 28.4% chance for a draw, and a 44% likelihood of Rijeka claiming three points.

Given the contrasting styles and recent trends, this encounter promises to be an intriguing battle. While Rijeka’s form positions them as favorites, Varaždin’s capabilities on their home turf could lead to a tightly contested match.

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 2026-08-11T02:52:05+00:00.

Varaždin 27.9%

Draw 29%

Rijeka 43.1%

Prediction (the most likely score): 1:1

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

Betting Odds

	1	X	2
	3.38	3.25	2.18
	3.30	3.10	2.18
	3.32	3.26	2.15	Watch and Bet
	3.30	3.15	2.11
	3.35	3.23	2.16

Latest Results

09.08.26 NK Slaven Belupo – NK Varaždin – 1:4 02.08.26 NK Varaždin – Hajduk Split – 2:1 30.07.26 FK Jablonec – NK Varaždin – 2:0 23.07.26 NK Varaždin – FK Jablonec – 3:2 16.07.26 NK Varaždin – ND Beltinci – 2:0

06.08.26 HNK Rijeka – FC Ilves – 1:0 02.08.26 HNK Rijeka – NK Rudeš – 2:1 30.07.26 Derry City – HNK Rijeka – 0:1 23.07.26 HNK Rijeka – Derry City – 1:0 16.07.26 HNK Rijeka – Jadran Dekani – 2:0

Facts

In the last 5 head-to-head matches, Varaždin won 3.

Varaždin is currently in amazing form (last 5 games: 4 wins).

Rijeka is in superb shape, having picked up a string of victories recently (last 5 games: 5 wins).

Varaždin may face physical challenges compared to their opponent, as they have played more matches in recent days.

Recently, Rijeka has had a series of home games.

Rijeka might have a minor edge in this game.

In the last 20 head-to-head matches, Varaždin won 8 matches, drew 3 matches, lost 9 matches, and goals 22:28. (average 1.1:1.4).

Including home matches between the teams, Varaždin won 6 matches, drew 1 match, lost 4 matches, and goals 13:12. (average 1.2:1.1).

Latest Head To Head

22.04.26 NK Varaždin – HNK Rijeka – 1:0 14.02.26 HNK Rijeka – NK Varaždin – 3:1 09.11.25 NK Varaždin – HNK Rijeka – 1:0 24.08.25 HNK Rijeka – NK Varaždin – 1:2 13.04.25 HNK Rijeka – NK Varaždin – 1:0

Standings

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

Varaždin – Rijeka and other Croatian HNL events on our partner.