Istra 1961 vs Gorica Prediction & Betting Tips (29 August)

As the Croatian HNL rolls into late August, Istra 1961 prepares to host Gorica at Stadion Aldo Drosina in what promises to be a tightly contested fixture. Istra, currently languishing near the bottom of the table, has yet to register a win this season, but recent performances suggest a team slowly finding its rhythm. Their 1-1 draw against Vukovar showed flashes of cohesion, and with new signings like Emil Frederiksen and Smail Prevljak settling in, the squad looks more balanced than it did in early July. Coach David Catalá has been experimenting with a more aggressive midfield press, hoping to capitalize on Gorica’s vulnerability in transition.

Gorica, meanwhile, sits mid-table and has had a mixed bag of results. Their recent 3-1 win over Lokomotiva Zagreb was a much-needed boost after a string of underwhelming performances. The return of Adrion Pajaziti from Fulham U21 and the addition of Nikola Jojić from Stoke City have added depth to their midfield, while coach Dinko Jeličić continues to rely on the pace of Caio da Cruz up front. However, Gorica’s defense remains a concern, having conceded six goals in four matches. The backline, led by Jakov Filipović, will need to be sharper to contain Istra’s increasingly fluid attack.

Historically, Gorica has had the upper hand in this matchup, winning three of the last five encounters. But Istra’s home form has been quietly improving, with only one loss in their last five games in Pula. The tactical battle between Catalá and Jeličić will likely hinge on midfield control, where Istra’s recent acquisitions could tilt the balance. Expect Frederiksen to play a pivotal role in linking play and exploiting Gorica’s defensive gaps. The hosts have also shown resilience in late-game situations, which could be crucial if the match remains tight heading into the final minutes.

Given the current form and squad dynamics, a 2-1 victory for Istra 1961 seems a plausible outcome. Their attacking momentum, bolstered by summer signings and a more assertive tactical approach, should be enough to edge past a Gorica side that still struggles with consistency away from home. While Gorica may find the net through a moment of individual brilliance—perhaps from Jojić or da Cruz—Istra’s collective effort and home advantage could prove decisive. This match may well mark a turning point in Istra’s season, signaling their intent to climb out of the lower ranks and challenge more assertively in the weeks ahead.