Istra 1961 vs Rijeka Prediction: 60th Derby della Ucka

The 60th consecutive Derby della Ucka is scheduled for tomorrow as the last match of the 30th round of the SuperSport HNL. The good-neighborly relations between the two clubs are now a thing of the past. The geographical proximity of Ucka, instead of uniting it, has been separating the two clubs from the north of the Adriatic more and more lately, and of course, the tensions between the fans of both clubs have become even more pronounced. There is no love between these two clubs there is everything else. Maybe we're exaggerating a bit, but it's not so far from the truth that the fans of Istra and Rijeka simply can't see each other, and it's not just about the Armada and Demoni fan groups. The Sunday match, which starts at 8 p.m., this time has even greater significance than usual, because Rijeka are fighting for the championship title. No one in the world would be happier than the fans of Istra if Rijeka remain without points on Sunday.

Form: LDDDL

The matches in Pula are always difficult and awkward. The current Istra 1961 are also a good team, they are not in the ranking as they would like, but that does not mean that they are not tough opponent. Since they changed their manager, they started to look more organized and in better shape than before this season, and in the last 5 matches they have 2 defeats and 3 draws, but they are undefeated at home in the last 4 matches. They are above the relegation zone, but they will give everything in this match to win, or at least stop the opponent from winning and make the title race even more interesting.

Form: WWWWW

Everyone is healthy and ready to fight, Pjaca has minor problems with his knee, but there is a chance that he will be available to start this match in which Rijeka will try to get all 3 points. Rijeka are in 1st place with 65 points, but Dinamo are right behind, with 2 points less, so every point is worth it in this photo finish. Rijeka are on a great run of 7 wins in the last 7 matches in all competitions, and since the win last weekend against Hajduk the whole city is like they are preparing for a title and celebration.

In conclusion, the rivalry between Istra and Rijeka is more a matter of neighboring issues and institutional relations than a competitive story. The fact that only in the last 12 visits to Pula, Rijeka have 10 wins and 2 draws, speaks volumes about the diversity of ambitions. However, this does not mean that Istra have no right to hope to be better. Istra are not in the same category as Rijeka, that's obvious, but it's obvious that Rijeka constantly wants to show it, regardless of constant victories on the field. There were provocations from both sides before the match, but I believe that Rijeka have enough quality to overcome it and win this match.