The HNL sees Istra 1961 take on HNK Rijeka on Sunday 17 May, kicking off at 17:45 (WAT) at Stadion Aldo Drosina. Istra 1961 are 4th with 19 points from 13 games (in the top four), while HNK Rijeka sit 6th on 18 points (in the bottom half). Only 1 point separates the two sides, so there is plenty riding on it.
Form guide
Istra 1961's last 5: WWLLL Most recently they beat NK Osijek 1–0 away. At home they have won 2 and lost 2 of their last 4. They average 1.2 scored and 1.3 conceded.
HNK Rijeka's last 5: LWLWL Most recently they lost to Dinamo Zagreb 0–2 away. On the road they have won 0 and lost 3 of their last 4. They average 1.0 scored and 1.3 conceded.
Head to head
The last meeting, on 15 March 2026, finished HNK Rijeka 0–2 Istra 1961.
Goals outlook
Our model expects about 2.5 goals: 0.9 for Istra 1961 and 1.7 for HNK Rijeka. That is close to an average game: over 2.5 at 47%, both teams to score at 55%.
Betting angles
Win chances: Istra 1961 22%, draw 20%, HNK Rijeka 58%.
Both teams to score: yes (55%) at 1.80.
Our prediction
Our pre-match pick was Under 3.5 goals – a 74% chance at odds of 1.28. Predicted score: Istra 1961 0–1 HNK Rijeka. Bets settle on the 90-minute score. Predictions are estimates, not guarantees – 18+, bet responsibly.
Win chances
Istra 196122%fair 4.52 · @4.10
Draw20%fair 5.12 · @3.40
HNK Rijeka58%fair 1.71 · @1.81
2.55Expected goals
0.88Istra 1961 xG
1.67HNK Rijeka xG
55%Both score
47%Over 2.5
Most likely scores
0–113%
1–111%
0–211%
1–210%
0–08%
1–07%
From our goals model: Istra 1961 0.9 – 1.7 HNK Rijeka expected. Correct scores are long shots even at the top of this list.
What is the prediction for Istra 1961 vs HNK Rijeka?
Our pick is Under 3.5 goals with a 74% chance, at bookmaker odds of 1.28.
Who will win Istra 1961 vs HNK Rijeka?
On our numbers Istra 1961 have a 22% chance of winning, the draw 20% and HNK Rijeka 58%.
How many goals will there be in Istra 1961 vs HNK Rijeka?
We expect about 2.5 goals. Over 2.5 goals is 47% likely and both teams score 55% of the time on our projection.
What is the predicted score for Istra 1961 vs HNK Rijeka?
Our predicted score is Istra 1961 0–1 HNK Rijeka, the most likely score that fits our pick. We expect about 2.5 goals in total.
When is Istra 1961 vs HNK Rijeka?
Istra 1961 vs HNK Rijeka (HNL) kicks off on Sunday 17 May 2026 at 17:45 (West Africa Time) at Stadion Aldo Drosina.
Analysis by the Footrivo model, blended with bookmaker prices. Kick-off times shown in your local time. Predictions are estimates, not guarantees – 18+, please bet responsibly.