NK Slaven Belupo - Istra 1961 prediction 30 October 2026

The NK Slaven Belupo vs Istra 1961 prediction for the HNL match on October 30, 2026, at 17:00 points towards a competitive contest at Gradski stadion Ivan Kušek-Apaš. Based on our analysis of form, head-to-head record, and league standings, NK Slaven Belupo has a 39% chance of winning, while Istra 1961 has a 34% probability, with a draw likely at 27%.

Team Form

NK Slaven Belupo's recent form has been inconsistent. In their last five matches across all competitions, they have recorded results of W, L, W, L, D. Their most recent outing was a 2-1 away victory against NK Varazdin on October 24, 2026. Before that, they suffered a heavy 5-1 home defeat to Dinamo Zagreb on October 18, but did manage an impressive 4-1 home win against Rijeka on October 11.

Istra 1961's recent form shows a pattern of L, W, L, W, W in their last five games. Their last match was a 2-0 away loss to Lokomotiva Zagreb on October 17, 2026. Prior to that, they secured a strong 3-1 away win at Osijek on October 10 and a 5-0 cup victory against Zagorec Krapina on September 8.

Head-to-Head Record

The history between these two teams in the HNL shows a slight edge for NK Slaven Belupo. In the last 8 encounters, NK Slaven Belupo has 3 wins, Istra 1961 has 2 wins, and there have been 3 draws. The most recent meeting was on August 15, 2026, where Istra 1961 secured a dominant 3-0 home victory. However, the last match at this venue saw NK Slaven Belupo win 1-0 on February 27, 2026.

League Table Positions

NK Slaven Belupo currently sits in 6th place in the HNL standings with 13 points from 11 matches, a record of 4 wins, 1 draw, and 6 losses. They have scored 14 goals and conceded 23. Istra 1961 is close behind in 7th place with 12 points from 10 matches, having won 3, drawn 3, and lost 4. They have a better defensive record, scoring 17 and conceding 16 goals.

Looking at home and away form in the league, NK Slaven Belupo is strong at home, ranked 6th with 9 points from 5 games (3 wins, 2 losses). Istra 1961's away form is mid-table, ranked 6th with 5 points from 5 games (1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses).

Win Probability: NK Slaven Belupo or Istra 1961?

Our calculated win probabilities for this match are: NK Slaven Belupo 39%, Draw 27%, Istra 1961 34%. The calculation is anchored on the home advantage and the superior league position of NK Slaven Belupo, balanced by Istra 1961's better recent away win at Osijek and their commanding 3-0 victory in the most recent head-to-head. Despite NK Slaven Belupo being the nominal favorite as hosts, the stats suggest a closely matched encounter where a draw is a very real possibility. NK Slaven Belupo has a 39% chance of winning, but Istra 1961 is not far behind.

Odds & Match Prediction

No specific bookmaker odds are available for this event. Based on the available stats, the match is forecasted to be tight. NK Slaven Belupo's home form and higher league standing make them marginal favorites, but Istra 1961's recent head-to-head success and capable away performances mean they cannot be underestimated. A low-scoring draw or a narrow win for the home side outlines the most likely scenarios. The expectation is that this will be a closely fought HNL contest.