Osijek vs Istra 1961 prediction, odds and how to watch

Emil Frederiksen scored all three goals for Istra 1961 as they beat Rudeš 3-2 in the Croatian 1. HNL, but a nervy finale showed exactly why this side cannot afford to switch off. Rudeš made them pay in the closing minutes and nearly nicked a point they had no business taking.

Osijek produced one of the results of the Croatian 1. HNL season, beating Dinamo Zagreb 4-2 at home despite going into the match as heavy underdogs. Armando León was the standout performer, scoring twice and assisting a third in a performance that exposed serious defensive problems in the visiting side.

Dinamo Zagreb dominated from start to finish but could not hold on for victory, as Istra 1961 twice levelled in a 2-2 draw that will frustrate the Croatian giants. Smail Prevljak's 84th-minute equaliser completed the comeback and denied Dinamo what their performance clearly deserved.

Varaždin bossed every statistical category and hit the woodwork twice, but a resolute Istra 1961 side held on for a goalless draw in the Croatian 1. HNL. The home side will be furious with themselves.

Osijek put Slaven Koprivnica to the sword in the Croatian 1. HNL, with Jona Jezic scoring twice and Nail Omerovic adding a second-half header to seal a dominant 3-0 win that was never in doubt.

Istra 1961 host a Gorica side that has lost all four of their opening league fixtures and conceded nine goals in the process. The structural problems travelling to Pula this Saturday go well beyond a rough patch.

Two of the Croatian 1. HNL's early pacesetters meet in Varaždin on Saturday, with the home side's impressive defensive record at home set against Osijek's erratic form on the road.

Dinamo Zagreb travel to Osijek on Saturday having won all three of their opening league fixtures, but a home side quietly building momentum could make Stadion Gradski Vrt a difficult place to visit this weekend.