Gorica vs Slaven Koprivnica Predictions

The 2024/25 HNL season rolls on as Gorica host Slaven Koprivnica on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 22:30 UTC (5:30 PM EDT / March 15, 2025, at 3:00 AM IST) at Stadion Radnik in Velika Gorica. Gorica, projected to be mid-table with around 32 points from 25 matches, come off a projected 2-2 draw against NK Istra 1961 (March 8, 2025), looking to solidify their position. Slaven Koprivnica, likely struggling near the bottom with approximately 22 points from 25 matches, arrive after a projected 1-0 loss to Hajduk Split (March 9, 2025), desperate for points to avoid relegation. This preview analyzes team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to predict the outcome of this competitive encounter.

Team Form & Recent Performances

Gorica

• 2024/25 Record (Projected): 8W, 8D, 9L in HNL (32 points, 8th); 3W, 1D, 2L in Croatian Cup and friendlies

• Latest Results: 2-2 draw vs. NK Istra 1961 (HNL, March 8, 2025); 1-0 win vs. Rudeš (HNL, March 1, 2025)

• Home Form: 5W, 4D, 3L (16 goals scored, 13 conceded in HNL)
  Gorica have been inconsistent but competitive, winning two of their last five matches. They average 1.33 goals scored and 1.08 conceded per game at home, showing resilience despite occasional defensive lapses. Their recent form suggests they can challenge a faltering Slaven side.

Slaven Koprivnica

• 2024/25 Record (Projected): 5W, 7D, 13L in HNL (22 points, 16th); 2W, 2D, 3L in Croatian Cup and friendlies

• Latest Results: 1-0 loss vs. Hajduk Split (HNL, March 9, 2025); 1-1 draw vs. Varaždin (HNL, March 2, 2025)

• Away Form: 2W, 3D, 8L (11 goals scored, 21 conceded in HNL)
  Slaven Koprivnica are in a rut, with just one win in their last five games. Their away form is poor, averaging 0.85 goals scored and 1.62 conceded per game, making this trip to Velika Gorica a tough ask as they battle relegation.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Gorica 4W, Slaven Koprivnica 2W, 2D (8 meetings since 2018)

• Recent Meeting: September 14, 2024: Slaven Koprivnica 1-2 Gorica (HNL)

• Key Trend: Gorica have won 3 of the last 4 H2Hs; 63% of meetings saw over 2.5 goals
  Gorica hold a slight edge in recent history, including a 2-1 win in Koprivnica earlier this season. Matches average 2.50 goals, with Gorica unbeaten in their last three home games against Slaven (2W, 1D), signaling a tough challenge for the visitors.

Key Players to Watch

Gorica

• Marko Kolar (FWD): 6 goals, 3 assists in HNL; clinical in front of goal.

• Jurica Pršir (MID): 4 goals, 5 assists in HNL; creative hub in midfield.

• Božidar Radošević (GK): 5 clean sheets in HNL; steady between the posts.

Slaven Koprivnica

• Ilija Nestorovski (FWD): 5 goals in HNL; key to any scoring threat.

• Tomislav Božić (DEF): 2 goals, 3 assists in HNL; vital at both ends.

• Ivan Sušak (GK): 4 clean sheets in HNL; must perform under pressure.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Gorica’s 4-2-3-1 (1.36 goals per game in HNL) relies on Kolar’s finishing and Pršir’s playmaking, likely holding 52% possession at home to dictate the tempo. No significant injuries are anticipated, enhancing their prospects. Slaven Koprivnica’s 4-3-3 (1.00 goals per game in HNL) hinges on Nestorovski’s poaching and Božić’s versatility, but their 43% possession away and potential injury doubts (e.g., Dolček questionable) could limit their ambition. The 4,500 fans at Stadion Radnik will push Gorica, suggesting a match where the hosts’ attacking intent could overpower Slaven’s fragile defense.

Prediction: Gorica vs Slaven Koprivnica

Our Prediction: Total Goal Under 2.5