Rijeka enters this clash needing a result to protect their Conference League qualification spot, sitting just one point ahead of Varaždin. Meanwhile, Istra is mathematically eliminated from European contention, leaving the home side with nothing meaningful to play for in the final two rounds.

The visitors have found their stride in the league at exactly the right time, recording back-to-back dominant victories over Lokomotiva and Vukovar. Istra has also won their last two, but a recent home defeat to rock-bottom Vukovar highlights their overall lack of consistency.

Up front, the away side has been highly clinical recently, generating big chances and converting efficiently from inside the penalty area. Istra relies heavily on fast breaks, but they will likely struggle to find open space against a focused defense that knows how to protect a lead.

On the back end, Rijeka has proven difficult to break down, racking up twelve clean sheets across the campaign. Istra has leaked twenty-four goals in seventeen home matches, frequently dropping their concentration in the crucial periods just before the halftime whistle.

The only real hurdle for the favorites is their midweek Croatia Cup exertion against Dinamo Zagreb, which could lead to some late fatigue. Even so, with their European destiny entirely in their own hands, the motivational gap should easily override any physical drop-off.