Istra 1961 have demonstrated strong scoring numbers at home, averaging 2.3 goals per game across their three home league fixtures. In contrast, Rudes have struggled on the road, suffering three consecutive away league defeats with a high concession rate of 2.7 goals per away match. Additionally, Istra 1961 have won the last four direct clashes between these sides and have never lost a home encounter against Rudes in the provided head-to-head record.
Istra 1961 vs Rudes prediction
- Round
- Regular Season - 7
- Venue
- Stadion Aldo Drosina, Pula
- Referee
- Antonio Melnjak, Croatia
Published by the BetGenius Editorial Desk · Editorial policy
Recent form
Last 5 matches · 2W-2D-1L · +5 goal difference
Last 5 matches · 2W-0D-3L · -3 goal difference
Our verdict
BetGenius backs Istra 1961 to win (Match Winner) at 68% confidence — a solid call. Total goals: Over 2.5 Goals.
Match preview
Istra 1961 welcome Rudes to the Aldo Drosina stadium in round seven of the HNL, aiming to build on their productive attacking form at home. The hosts sit sixth in the standings with six points from six matches, having scored seven goals across their three home fixtures. Their attacking duo of E. Frederiksen and H. Jaganjac, each with four league goals to their name, gives them steady firepower in the final third.
Rudes have experienced a difficult opening phase of the campaign, sitting ninth with three points and five defeats from their first six league matches. Their travel record is particularly concerning, having lost all three away league games while scoring just one goal and conceding eight. Defensively, Rudes have conceded nineteen goals across six league outings and are yet to record a clean sheet this season.
Historical head-to-head records heavily favour Istra 1961, who have won seven of the last ten meetings between the sides, including each of the last four. Unbeaten against Rudes at home across four previous encounters with three victories and one draw, Istra 1961 hold significant advantages in both current form and historical dominance.
Key factors
- Istra 1961 have won each of the last four head-to-head meetings with Rudes across all competitions.
- Rudes have lost all three of their away league matches this season, scoring one goal and conceding eight.
- Istra 1961 have scored seven goals in three home league matches, led by E. Frederiksen and H. Jaganjac with four goals each.
- Rudes possess the poorest defensive record in the division with 19 goals conceded and zero clean sheets in six matches.
- Istra 1961 are unbeaten at home against Rudes across four recorded meetings, winning three and drawing one.
Statistical comparison
Combined scoring rate: 3.1 goals per game (Istra 1961 at home plus Rudes away).
Key players this season
Istra 1961
- E. Frederiksen7G · 3A
- H. Jaganjac4G
- D. Ahmeti4A
Rudes
- J. Poldrugač3A
League scoring and assist totals for this season — not a predicted lineup. Availability is only shown where team news names the same player.
Table context
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | NK VarazdinPromotion - Conference League (Qualification) | 10 | +6 | 18 |
| 4 | NK OsijekPromotion - Conference League (Qualification) | 10 | +4 | 17 |
| 5 | HNK Rijeka | 9 | +4 | 17 |
| 6 | Istra 1961 | 10 | +1 | 12 |
| 7 | NK Lokomotiva Zagreb | 10 | -4 | 10 |
| 8 | NK Slaven Belupo | 10 | -10 | 10 |
| 9 | Rudes | 10 | -14 | 7 |
| 10 | HNK GoricaRelegation - Prva NL | 10 | -8 | 6 |
Head-to-head
- 7
- Istra 1961
- 1
- Draws
- 2
- Rudes
Istra 1961 have won 7 of the last 10 meetings, averaging 2.4 goals a game, 60% went over 2.5.
- 2024-10-30Rudes1-2Istra 1961
- 2024-05-03Rudes1-3Istra 1961
- 2024-02-24Istra 19612-1Rudes
- 2023-11-11Rudes0-4Istra 1961
- 2023-08-27Istra 19610-0Rudes
Our record in HNL
Settled results only — every published pick is recorded win or lose. Full track record →
Based on at least 20 settled predictions.1 published market
More from BetGenius
Understand these picks
- Straight win: Straight win predictions · Reading odds and probability · Match result record
Teams around them in the table
Published September 11, 2026. Form, team news and table context refresh automatically.

