Varaždin and Istra 1961 face each other on Saturday 05.23.2026, at 15:00 (UK Time), in a HNL League 2025/26 match. The game will take place at Varaždin's home ground, the Stadion Anđelko Herjavec.

Our team of analysts has crafted predictions for the clash between Varaždin and Istra, grounded in an in-depth statistical analysis of both sides. We aim to empower bettors with reliable insights, delivering today’s top free betting tip to support smarter, more profitable choices.

APWin predictions for Varaždin vs Istra 1961

With odds already defined by leading bookmakers, our specialists have thoroughly reviewed the key match data. Check out our expert prediction below:

APWin Prediction

HT/FT - X/2

The APWin team has examined the key betting markets and identified the most valuable opportunities.

👉 Our prediction is: Istra 1961 to win the 1st half

The various signs and statistics we have studied point to this being a one-sided affair, with the favoured Istra 1961 likely coming out on top away from home. Istra 1961 has simply been the superior team this season, whereas Varaždin has struggled.

But for some added value, we recommend betting on Istra 1961 to win the first half, which would bring a higher potential payout.

Varaždin preview

Varaždin heads into the match with the following record in the HNL League: in 35 matches, Varaždin secured 14 victories, 9 draws, and 12 losses, maintaining an average of 1.46 points per game.

Taking a broader look at Varaždin's 2025/26 season, the team has achieved a total of 15 victories so far.

Varaždin has been effective in the offence, scoring a total of 47 goals, of which 45 were scored in the HNL League, resulting in an average of 1.29 goals per game.

Individually, the standout performer is Ivan Mamut, who has found the back of the net 9 times. However, he is not alone in driving the offence. Aleksa Latković has taken on the role of the team's main playmaker, leading with 6 assists.

On the defensive side, Varaždin has conceded 46 goals in the HNL League (an average of 1.31 per game) and 49 goals throughout the entire season, with an average of 1.32 per match in the 2025/26 campaign.

Istra 1961 preview

Istra 1961 comes into the game with 35 matches played so far in the HNL League. They have secured 12 victories, 7 draws, and 16 losses, maintaining an average of 1.23 points per game in the competition.

Across all competitions in the 2025/26 season, the team has recorded 12 wins, 7 draws, and 16 losses.

Istra's attack has been highly effective, scoring 39 goals during this period. Of that total, 39 were netted in the HNL League, with an average of 1.11 goals per game. The overall season average is 1.11.

Verudeži's offensive system is led by Smail Prevljak, the team's top scorer this season. The nationality.bosnia and herzegovina forward has found the back of the net 14 times. He is supported by the team's best assist provider, Stjepan Lončar. The midfielder has contributed with 6 assists.

On the defensive side, the team has conceded 48 goals with an average of 1.37 per game in the championship. For the whole season, the team conceded 48 goals in 35 matches, averaging 1.37 per match.

Head to head: Varaždin vs Istra 1961

Review the head-to-head record between the teams, featuring key data to support your match prediction.

Home Team

Varaždin Team Logo

Varaždin

Croatia - Prva HNL

Form Last 5 PPG
Overall W D L L W

1.4

Home D W W D W

2.2

Away W L L W L

1.2

Away Team

Istra 1961 Team Logo

Istra 1961

Croatia - Prva HNL

Form Last 5 PPG
Overall D W W L L

1.4

Home D W L L L

0.8

Away W L L W L

1.2

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Published on 20 May 2026, at 20:09 Last updated on 20 May 2026, at 20:09
Author: Amauri Barbosa

Sports betting analyst with over 15 years of experience. At APWin, he writes football predictions, reviews bookmakers and explains the reasoning behind every bet.