Rijeka vs Gorica Prediction: Gorica against the undefeated Rijeka

When two teams, one in second place and the other at the bottom of a league, clash in a championship, regardless of the league or the part of the world they are in, the expected outcome will always be the same. Of course, if the result were always as expected, the sport itself would have no meaning, but the undeniable fact is that in the match between Rijeka and Gorica, which will be played at Rujevica, the home team is the big favorite, and anything short of a dominant performance and winning three points would be a huge failure. And that's especially true when you consider what the favored team can gain with that victory.

Form: DDWDW

Rijeka, therefore, simply have to win this match. Apart from the fact that Gorica are currently last, and that Rijeka have won the same number of matches in the last five matches, with three points won, the home team would (temporarily) take over the top of the HNL, where Hajduk are currently, who have so far collected three points more than their rivals from the north of the Adriatic. Honestly, Gorica would also have to be lucky, because they have been in last place in the HNL since the last round and they certainly would not want to stay at the bottom for too long. Although they failed to win in the last two rounds, Rijeka left a very good impression in the derbies against Osijek and Dinamo. In both matches, they were closer to victory, but in the end, they had to settle for just two points out of a maximum of six.

Form: LDDLW

As for Gorica, Djalovic has more or less established the team, so compared to the starting 11 from Maksimir, only one change is expected in the midfield (Petrovic – Gojak), while Bruno Bogojevic should play instead of the booked Smolcic at right back. This will be Carevic's second time this season visiting Kvarner, with him sitting on the bench for Sibenik in the seventh round. Rijeka defeated them “with half strength” 3-0. Gorica weren’t bad in the last round against Sibenik, but in the end, they were defeated 1:0, and it’s clear that it will be extremely difficult for them to avoid relegation this season.

I think that Rijeka will win this match more easily than expected. They are very solid this season, they play very disciplined and I’m sure that after several draws, the wins will come. Gorica on the other hand have some improvements, but the rumors are that they will bring in several players this winter and we can expect better Gorica in the second part of the season. A confident home win, with several goals difference, is my pick for this match.