Osijek vs Sibenik Prediction: Sibenik returns to the elite in a difficult away game in Osijek

Osijek completed the second preliminary round of the Conference League in style and easily won in two games against Levadia from Tallinn. Now Federico Coppitelli's team opens the HNL season at the Opus Arena against the returnees to the first league - Sibenik. There is no doubt who is the favorite here, but it will be interesting to see what the team of Sibenik put together during the summer, and whether are they on the needed level to compete in the best Croatian League.

Form: WWLWD

Behind Osijek are two matches against Levadia, a very convincing victory at the Opus Arena on the wings of Ramon Mierez (5:1), and a minimal celebration in Estonia where Petar Pusic was the one who found the way to the net. Against Sibenik, Osijek have the opportunity to register their third victory of the season and thus await the matches against Azerbaijan's Zira in a great mood. This is not the only reason why Osijek should win this match, it is important to open the season strongly and start with a win. The opponent is a team that fought last season until the last round to enter the top tier, and in the end, Sibenik managed to achieve what they had planned by winning in Osijek, but at Gradski Vrt against Zrinski, secure promotion. Osijek have big ambitions for this season, a very quality team, and after the huge changes in the board and staff, this team aims for the top 3 finish this season.

Form: WWLLW

Sibenik after winning the promotion were immediately aware that they had to strengthen themselves for a higher rank, some more experienced players like Santini and Zuta arrived, and Mario Carevic got the upper hand and is starting to achieve his first goal, which is to stay in the league. This match at the Opus Arena will show how much Sibenik can do, they will play against a very strong opponent with whom they will try to play with Osijek as evenly as possible.

In the 2022/2023 season, Osijek and Sibenik met for the last time, Osijek recorded two victories in Subicevac that season but drew twice in Gradski vrt in Osijek. A lot speaks in favor of Osijek, who are the favorites, and their victory is expected. However, this is the first of 3 matches at home for Osijek in a week so they might even consider playing without pushing too hard as they will face Zira on Thursday and Dinamo Zagreb next weekend in the league.