Osijek
€19.40m
Istra 1961
€12.60m
Preview
The Osijek vs Istra 1961 prediction is on everyone’s lips as these two familiar HNL sides prepare to meet at Opus Arena on December 7, 2025, at 16:30 GMT. With both teams eager to climb the league table, fans can expect a tactical battle, a few nervy moments, and—if history is any guide—a tight contest. Let’s break down the head to head record, recent form, betting odds, and our AI-powered tips for this intriguing encounter.
As the winter chill sets in over Osijek, both teams arrive with plenty to prove. Istra 1961 currently sits 5th in the HNL with 20 points, while Osijek is looking to escape 9th place and their tally of 12 points. Despite Osijek’s higher squad value (€19.40m vs €12.60m), recent form and head to head results tilt the scales in Istra’s favor.
Injuries and suspensions could play a part in this Osijek vs Istra 1961 prediction. Osijek’s squad is stretched thin, with key absentees like Filip Zivkovic, Luka Vrbancic, Niko Farkas, Simun Mikolcic, and Yannick Toure all sidelined. The midfield will miss S. Shopov (out until June 2026), and defender R. Guedes Borges is also unavailable. On a brighter note, forward Arnel Jakupovic has ended his goal drought and is back in the mix.
Istra 1961’s only notable absence is Antonio Mauric, suspended for this fixture. Both teams are likely to stick with familiar shapes—Osijek alternating between 5-3-2 and 4-2-3-1 under new boss Zeljko Sopic, while Oriol Riera’s Istra 1961 prefers a 4-2-3-1. Expect a tactical chess match, with Osijek trying to shore up their leaky defense and Istra 1961 looking to exploit any gaps.
Bookmakers see Osijek as slight favorites, offering odds of 2.45 for a home win, 3.1 for a draw, and 3.1 for an Istra 1961 victory. But with both teams struggling to put games away, the draw is tempting—especially given their recent head to head history.
With both teams expected to keep things tight, fans shouldn’t expect a goal-fest. Osijek’s defense will be under scrutiny, but Istra 1961’s recent form and ability to grind out results make them dangerous. Still, with both sides missing key players, a low-scoring draw looks the most likely outcome.
To sum up our Osijek vs Istra 1961 prediction: expect a tactical, hard-fought match with few clear-cut chances. The best betting tip is under 3.5 total goals, while the 1X market offers some value for those wary of Osijek’s recent struggles. A 1-1 draw is our call, with both teams likely to settle for a point as they look to steady their seasons. For punters and fans alike, this one looks set to be more chess match than goal bonanza—so settle in, enjoy the tactical battle, and keep an eye on those total goals!
The Osijek vs Istra 1961 prediction is on everyone’s lips as these two familiar HNL sides prepare to meet at Opus Arena on December 7, 2025, at 16:30 GMT. With both teams eager to climb the league table, fans can expect a tactical battle, a few nervy moments, and—if history is any guide—a tight contest. Let’s break down the head to head record, recent form, betting odds, and our AI-powered tips for this intriguing encounter.
As the winter chill sets in over Osijek, both teams arrive with plenty to prove. Istra 1961 currently sits 5th in the HNL with 20 points, while Osijek is looking to escape 9th place and their tally of 12 points. Despite Osijek’s higher squad value (€19.40m vs €12.60m), recent form and head to head results tilt the scales in Istra’s favor.
Injuries and suspensions could play a part in this Osijek vs Istra 1961 prediction. Osijek’s squad is stretched thin, with key absentees like Filip Zivkovic, Luka Vrbancic, Niko Farkas, Simun Mikolcic, and Yannick Toure all sidelined. The midfield will miss S. Shopov (out until June 2026), and defender R. Guedes Borges is also unavailable. On a brighter note, forward Arnel Jakupovic has ended his goal drought and is back in the mix.
Istra 1961’s only notable absence is Antonio Mauric, suspended for this fixture. Both teams are likely to stick with familiar shapes—Osijek alternating between 5-3-2 and 4-2-3-1 under new boss Zeljko Sopic, while Oriol Riera’s Istra 1961 prefers a 4-2-3-1. Expect a tactical chess match, with Osijek trying to shore up their leaky defense and Istra 1961 looking to exploit any gaps.
Bookmakers see Osijek as slight favorites, offering odds of 2.45 for a home win, 3.1 for a draw, and 3.1 for an Istra 1961 victory. But with both teams struggling to put games away, the draw is tempting—especially given their recent head to head history.
With both teams expected to keep things tight, fans shouldn’t expect a goal-fest. Osijek’s defense will be under scrutiny, but Istra 1961’s recent form and ability to grind out results make them dangerous. Still, with both sides missing key players, a low-scoring draw looks the most likely outcome.
To sum up our Osijek vs Istra 1961 prediction: expect a tactical, hard-fought match with few clear-cut chances. The best betting tip is under 3.5 total goals, while the 1X market offers some value for those wary of Osijek’s recent struggles. A 1-1 draw is our call, with both teams likely to settle for a point as they look to steady their seasons. For punters and fans alike, this one looks set to be more chess match than goal bonanza—so settle in, enjoy the tactical battle, and keep an eye on those total goals!
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Istra 1961 didn't play better in the last H2H match!
U3.5 -385
No more than 3 goals will be scored in the match with odds of -3851X -250
Osijek to win or drawUnder 3.5 -385
No more than 3 goals will be scored in the matchYes -118
Both teams are expected to score1X&U4.5 -175
Home win/draw and under 4.5 goals
0:0
1:1
|
18
-
9
-
10
|
|
Istra 1961 |
21-Sep-25
2:1
| Osijek ![]() |
Osijek |
25-May-25
1:1
| Istra 1961 ![]() |
Istra 1961 |
29-Mar-25
2:1
| Osijek ![]() |
Osijek |
20-Dec-24
2:2
| Istra 1961 ![]() |
Istra 1961 |
04-Oct-24
2:1
| Osijek ![]() |
Osijek |
20-Apr-24
1:2
| Istra 1961 ![]() |
Istra 1961 |
10-Feb-24
1:0
| Osijek ![]() |
Osijek |
28-Oct-23
3:1
| Istra 1961 ![]() |
| 13 Dec | D |
Osijek.
|
1:1
| Gorica.
|
| 07 Dec | L |
Osijek.
|
1:5
| Istra 1961.
|
| 03 Dec | D |
NK Varazdin.
|
1:1
| Osijek.
|
| 28 Nov | D |
Vukovar 1991.
|
2:2
| Osijek.
|
| 23 Nov | D |
Osijek.
|
1:1
| Lok. Zagreb.
|
| 08 Nov | L |
Hajduk Split.
|
2:0
| Osijek.
|
| 02 Nov | D |
Osijek.
|
0:0
| NK Varazdin.
|
| 27 Oct | L |
Rijeka.
|
4:2
| Osijek.
|
| 18 Oct | L |
Dinamo Z.
|
2:1
| Osijek.
|
| 04 Oct | L |
Slaven.
|
2:1
| Osijek.
|
| 19 Dec | NK Varazdin. |
- |
Istra 1961.![]() | |
| 07 Dec | W | Osijek. |
1:5 |
Istra 1961.![]() |
| 29 Nov | D | Istra 1961. |
1:1 |
Slaven Belup.![]() |
| 23 Nov | L | Gorica. |
1:0 |
Istra 1961.![]() |
| 09 Nov | W | Istra 1961. |
2:1 |
Dinamo Z.![]() |
| 05 Nov | L | Kurilovec. |
2:1 |
Istra 1961.![]() |
| 01 Nov | D | Istra 1961. |
1:1 |
Vukovar 1991.![]() |
| 25 Oct | W | Lokomotiv. |
1:2 |
Istra 1961.![]() |
| 19 Oct | L | Istra 1961. |
0:3 |
Hajduk Split.![]() |
| 03 Oct | W | Istra 1961. |
1:0 |
NK Varazdin.![]() |
Croatia - HNL| Team | Matches | Goals | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Dinamo Zagreb | 17 | 36-16 | 35 |
| 2 |
HNK Hajduk Spl | 17 | 27-16 | 34 |
| 3 |
NK Slaven Belu | 17 | 26-28 | 25 |
| 4 |
Istra 1961 | 16 | 20-20 | 23 |
| 5 |
NK Varazdin | 17 | 21-22 | 23 |
| 6 |
HNK Rijeka | 16 | 26-19 | 21 |
| 7 |
HNK Gorica | 17 | 21-26 | 19 |
| 8 |
NK Lokomotiva | 17 | 20-28 | 19 |
| 9 |
Vukovar | 17 | 18-30 | 15 |
| 10 |
NK Osijek | 17 | 16-26 | 13 |