NK Osijek arrives at this fixture with survival still on the line, needing a result to mathematically guarantee safety from the drop zone. In contrast, HNK Gorica sits comfortably in eighth place, playing out the final matches of a season where they are entirely safe from relegation.

The visitors' attacking output has been exceptionally poor throughout the campaign, managing just 25 goals across 34 league matches. Their offensive struggles are heavily compounded by the absence of key forward Anton Matković, further blunting an already limited frontline.

Despite their low league position, Osijek has shown surprising defensive resilience on the road against non-elite opposition. They have managed to keep clean sheets in recent away trips to Rijeka, Istra, and Slaven Belupo, relying on a compact shape to grind out vital points.

Gorica's recent fixtures reflect a team winding down its season, with matches largely turning into tight, low-event affairs. Four of their last six league games have featured fewer than three goals, as their attacking intensity naturally drops without meaningful competitive stakes.

The betting markets strongly anticipate a low-scoring contest, heavily juicing the under on total match goals. This aligns perfectly with the tactical reality of a defensively capable, offensively limited Osijek side playing for a pragmatic point against an unmotivated Gorica team.