Rijeka arrive with renewed momentum after a commanding 3-0 away win over Lokomotiva, keeping them firmly in the hunt for third place and European qualification. Vukovar are fighting desperately for survival, coming off a massive 1-0 victory over Osijek that kept their slim hopes of avoiding direct relegation alive.

While the visitors are treating every match like a cup final, Rijeka face a tricky balancing act with a massive Croatia Cup clash against Dinamo Zagreb looming in just five days. The hosts cannot afford to drop league points if they want to overtake Varaždin, meaning any heavy rotation is unlikely until the points are secure.

Vukovar have been consistently vulnerable on the road all season, shipping 33 goals in just 16 away fixtures. Rijeka’s attack, which has generated 44 goals and 84 big chances this campaign, is perfectly equipped to punish those defensive gaps.

The visitors cannot afford to sit back and play for a draw, as they trail ninth place by four points with only three matches remaining. That urgency will force them forward, allowing Rijeka’s midfield to dictate possession and carve out chances in transition.

Despite Vukovar’s recent fighting spirit, the sheer quality gap and Rijeka’s home advantage are too significant to look past. Backing the home side to secure all three points makes the most sense, with Over 1.5 Goals serving as a comfortable floor given the high stakes.