icon back

Match Prediction

Rijeka vs Slaven Belupo Prediction

Finished
Croatia flag Croatia

Rijeka

€35.47m

24 Jan11:15
2 : 2

Slaven Belupo

€11.98m

Preview

Rijeka vs Slaven Belupo Prediction HNL

Rijeka vs Slaven Belupo Prediction: Stats, Odds, and Storylines

The upcoming HNL fixture between Rijeka and Slaven Belupo is shaping up to be a fascinating encounter for both fans and punters. If you’re looking for the best Rijeka vs Slaven Belupo prediction, you’ve come to the right place. With both sides eager to climb the Croatian First Football League table, and the betting odds favoring the home team, there’s plenty to analyze and even more to anticipate.

Setting the Stage: Teams, Tactics, and Recent Form

Scheduled for January 24, 2026, at 16:15 GMT, this Round 19 match at Stadion HNK Rijeka Dean Šćulac promises to deliver plenty of talking points. Rijeka, currently 5th with 24 points from 17 matches, are breathing down the necks of Slaven Belupo, who sit 4th with 26 points from 18 games. The table is tight, and every point matters as we enter the business end of the season.

Let’s break down the teams:

  • HNK Rijeka have been busy in the transfer market, bringing in Georgian forward Tornike Morchiladze to spice up their attack. The squad is valued at an impressive €35.47m, and coach Víctor Sánchez has a record of 9 wins this season. The team’s recent friendly saw a narrow 1-2 loss to FC Koper, but a gutsy 0-0 draw away to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa Conference League showed their defensive steel.
  • NK Slaven Belupo, with a squad worth €11.98m, have shown resilience, drawing 2-2 with Vukovar '91 and losing 2-4 to Lokomotiva in friendlies. Their previous league outing was a hard-fought 0-0 draw away at Hajduk Split, defying the odds and showing they can dig in when needed.

In terms of tactics, expect Rijeka to control the tempo, aiming for around 60% possession. Their attacking intent is clear, with a predicted 16 shots (5 on target), while Slaven Belupo will likely rely on counter-attacks, hoping to make the most of their 10 shots (3 on target).

Head to Head: Recent Encounters and What History Tells Us

The head to head record favors Rijeka, who won the last meeting 2-0 on August 3, 2025. Back then, the betting odds were stacked in their favor (1.48 for Rijeka, 6.5 for Slaven Belupo), and they delivered. Both teams have shown they can punch above their weight: Rijeka’s surprise draw at Shakhtar and Slaven Belupo’s stalemate at Hajduk Split are proof that neither side is short on spirit.

Team News and Player Watch

  • Rijeka: The squad is almost at full strength, with only Vito Kovač missing training due to illness. Midfielder Dejan Petrovic, with 4 yellow cards in 13 appearances, will need to tread carefully to avoid suspension. Long-term injuries are still a concern, but the latest updates are unclear on who will be fit for this match.
  • Slaven Belupo: No major injury news, but a slightly thinner squad means every player’s contribution will be vital.

AI Insights: Rijeka vs Slaven Belupo Prediction and Betting Odds

Our AI analysis gives Rijeka the edge, predicting a home win (odds 1.6) with a trust rating of 5.6/10. While not a slam dunk, the numbers suggest that Rijeka’s superior squad value, home advantage, and attacking intent should see them through. The 1x2 prediction is firmly on Rijeka, with a confidence level of 6.0.

  • Predicted final score: Rijeka 2-0 Slaven Belupo
  • First half prediction: 0-0 (so don’t expect fireworks early on!)
  • Total goals: Under 3.5 goals (trust rating 4.3, odds 1.33)
  • Expected corners: 6 for Rijeka, 2 for Slaven Belupo
  • Yellow cards: 1 for Rijeka, 2 for Slaven Belupo

With Rijeka expected to dominate possession, create more chances, and keep things tight at the back, the best Rijeka vs Slaven Belupo prediction is a home win. However, with both teams capable of surprising results, a cautious approach to betting is wise—especially with our AI’s moderate trust rating.

Final Thoughts: What to Watch For

This Rijeka vs Slaven Belupo prediction suggests a tactical battle, with Rijeka’s quality likely to shine through in the second half. Keep an eye on new signing Morchiladze and the midfield duel—both could tip the scales. For punters, a home win and under 3.5 total goals look like the best bets, but don’t rule out a stubborn Slaven Belupo performance.

One thing’s for sure: this HNL fixture is set to be a highlight of Round 19, and whether you’re watching for the football or the betting odds, you won’t want to miss it.

Read More

AI Predictions
Powered by NerdyTips Logo

Warning

Rijeka didn't play better in the last H2H match!

Best Tip

The best betting football prediction for Rijeka vs Slaven Belupo

1 -167

Rijeka is expected to win with odds of -167
5/10

1x2 Tip

1 -167

Rijeka is expected to win with odds of -167
5/10

Total Goals

Under 3.5 -323

No more than 3 goals will be scored in the match
4/10

Both Teams To Score

No -123

At least one team is not expected to score
5/10

Bet Builder Tip

1X&U4.5 -294

Home win/draw and under 4.5 goals
6/10
Both Teams To Score

Half-Time Score

0:0

Correct Score

2:0

Stats Predictions

1.17
xG
0.74
60%
Ball Possession
40%
16
Total Shots
10
5
Shots on Goal
3
6
Shots Off Goal
3
6
Corners
2
1
Yellow Cards
2

Average / Match

1.09
Expected Goals
1
2.5
Total Goals
3.8
1.9
Goals Scored
2.1
0.6
Goals Against
1.7
50%
Possession
50%
13.5
Total Shots
11.7
4.6
Shots on Goal
4.7
5.4
Shots off Goal
4.7
12.5
Fouls
14.8
5.6
Corners
3
1.6
Offsides
1.7
1.86
Yellow Cards
1.83
331
Total Passes
375

Overview Last 10 Matches

5
Wins
4
7
Over 1.5 Goals
9
5
Over 2.5 Goals
7
3
Over 3.5 Goals
5
5
Both Teams Scored
9
0
Unexpected Wins
0
0
Unexpected Loses
0

Head to Head

Rijeka
25 - 10 - 6
Slaven Belupo
Slaven Belupo Slaven Belupo 18-Oct-25
1:1
Rijeka Rijeka
Rijeka Rijeka 03-Aug-25
2:0
Slaven Belupo Slaven Belupo
Rijeka Rijeka 29-May-25
1:0
Slaven Belupo Slaven Belupo
Rijeka Rijeka 25-May-25
2:0
Slaven Belupo Slaven Belupo
Slaven Belupo Slaven Belupo 14-May-25
1:1
Rijeka Rijeka
Slaven Belupo Slaven Belupo 29-Mar-25
2:1
Rijeka Rijeka
Rijeka Rijeka 22-Dec-24
2:0
Slaven Belupo Slaven Belupo
Slaven Belupo Slaven Belupo 05-Oct-24
0:0
Rijeka Rijeka
Rijeka Rijeka 26-May-24
4:0
Slaven Belupo Slaven Belupo

Profile time Recent Matches of Rijeka

01 Feb Osijek Osijek.
-
Rijeka. Rijeka
24 JanD Rijeka Rijeka.
2:2
Slaven Belup. Slaven Belupo
14 JanL Rijeka Rijeka.
1:2
Koper. Koper
21 DecW Rijeka Rijeka.
1:0
Gorica. Gorica
18 DecD Shakhtar Shakhtar .
0:0
Rijeka. Rijeka
14 DecD Istra 1961 Istra 1961.
1:1
Rijeka. Rijeka
11 DecW Rijeka Rijeka.
3:0
Celje. Celje
06 DecW Rijeka Rijeka.
3:1
Vukovar 1991. Vukovar 1991
03 DecW Zdralovi Zdralovi.
1:4
Rijeka. Rijeka
30 NovD Lok. Zagreb Lok. Zagreb.
1:1
Rijeka. Rijeka

Profile time Recent Matches of Slaven Belupo

31 JanSlaven Belupo Slaven Belup.
-
NK Varazdin.NK Varazdin
24 JanDRijeka Rijeka.
2:2
Slaven Belup.Slaven Belupo
13 JanDSlaven Belupo Slaven Belup.
2:2
Vukovar 1991.Vukovar 1991
10 JanWSlaven Belupo Slaven Belup.
5:1
Arsimi.Arsimi
08 JanWSlaven Belupo Slaven Belup.
2:1
Primorje.Primorje
20 DecDOsijek Osijek.
0:0
Slaven Belup.Slaven Belupo
14 DecLSlaven Belupo Slaven Belup.
2:5
Din. Zagreb.Din. Zagreb
05 DecWSlaven Belupo Slaven Belup.
2:1
Gorica.Gorica
29 NovDIstra 1961 Istra 1961.
1:1
Slaven Belup.Slaven Belupo
21 NovWSlaven Belupo Slaven Belup.
4:1
Vukovar 1991.Vukovar 1991

Croatia - HNL Croatia - HNL

Team Matches Goals Points
1 Dinamo Zagreb Dinamo Zagreb19
41-16
41
2 HNK Hajduk Split HNK Hajduk19
30-19
37
3 Istra 1961 Istra 196119
26-24
29
4 HNK Rijeka HNK Rijeka19
31-22
28
5 NK Slaven Belupo NK Slaven19
28-30
27
6 NK Varazdin NK Varazdin19
24-26
26
7 NK Lokomotiva Zagreb NK Lokomotiva19
22-31
22
8 HNK Gorica HNK Gorica19
22-29
19
9 Vukovar Vukovar19
20-34
15
10 NK Osijek NK Osijek19
16-29
14
Video preview
You might also like:
Espanyol vs Alaves Monaco vs Rennes Torino vs Lecce
Log In
Register
Bankers
All Matches