Rijeka vs Šibenik Predictions

Rijeka will face Šibenik at the Stadion HNK Rijeka on March 7, 2025, in a key HNL matchup, with both teams vying for critical points in the 2024/25 season’s latter stages. Rijeka, projected to be 2nd with around 46 points from 24 matches as of March 6, 2025, are coming off a 2-1 league win over Hajduk Split (March 2, 2025), aiming to maintain their title challenge. Šibenik, expected to sit 8th with approximately 25 points from 24 matches, arrive after a 1-1 draw with Slaven Belupo (March 2, 2025), seeking to climb away from the relegation scrap. This expert prediction explores team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to answer: Who will win Rijeka vs Šibenik in this HNL showdown?

Team Form & Recent Performances

Rijeka

• 2024/25 Record (Projected as of Mar 6): 14W, 4D, 6L in HNL (46 points, 2nd)

• Latest Result: 2-1 win vs. Hajduk Split (HNL, March 2, 2025)

• Home Form: 8W, 2D, 2L (22 goals scored, 10 conceded) Rijeka have been in strong form, with their 2-1 victory over Hajduk Split marking their fifth win in six games (5W, 0D, 1L) as of March 6, 2025. Projected at 46 points from 24 matches, they’re in the thick of the title race, with a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb (Feb 15, 2025) showcasing their home dominance. At Stadion HNK Rijeka, they’ve averaged 1.83 goals scored and 0.83 conceded per game, blending attacking flair with a stout defense, now facing a Šibenik side they’ve historically overwhelmed.

Šibenik

• 2024/25 Record (Projected as of Mar 6): 6W, 7D, 11L in HNL (25 points, 8th)

• Latest Result: 1-1 draw vs. Slaven Belupo (HNL, March 2, 2025)

• Away Form: 2W, 3D, 7L (11 goals scored, 19 conceded) Šibenik have been inconsistent, with their 1-1 draw against Slaven Belupo extending a winless run of four games (0W, 2D, 2L) as of March 6, 2025. Projected at 25 points from 24 matches, they’re battling to stay clear of relegation, with a 2-1 win over Istra 1961 (Feb 14, 2025) as a rare highlight. On the road, they’ve averaged 0.92 goals scored and 1.58 conceded per game, with Ivan Božić (6 goals) offering hope, but their away struggles could be exposed by Rijeka’s firepower.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Rijeka 11W, Šibenik 2W, 3D (16 meetings since 2018)

• Recent Meeting:
  November 1, 2024: Šibenik 0-4 Rijeka (HNL, Round 12)

• Key Trend: Rijeka have won 5 of the last 6 H2Hs; 67% of their meetings produced over 2.5 goals. The November 2024 clash saw Rijeka crush Šibenik 4-0 away, with Niko Janković and Toni Fruk scoring braces, reflecting a trend of dominance (avg. 2.83 goals in last 6 H2Hs). Rijeka’s 2-0 home win in September 2023 reinforces their edge at Stadion HNK Rijeka, setting up a tough challenge for Šibenik.

Key Players to Watch

Rijeka

• Niko Janković (MID): 8 goals, 6 assists in HNL; Rijeka’s creative spark.

• Toni Fruk (FWD): 7 goals, 4 assists; clinical finisher with flair.

• Dominik Simčić (GK): 7 clean sheets; anchors a tight defense.

Šibenik

• Ivan Božić (FWD): 6 goals, 2 assists in HNL; Šibenik’s top scorer.

• Leonard Zuta (MID): 3 goals, 4 assists; key playmaker.

• Antonio Đaković (GK): 5 clean sheets; vital despite defensive woes.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Rijeka’s 4-2-3-1 (1.75 goals per game) relies on Janković’s vision and Fruk’s finishing, targeting Šibenik’s leaky away defense (1.58 goals conceded per game), with Ivan Smolčić doubtful (hamstring) but likely replaced by Stjepan Radeljić. Šibenik’s 4-4-2 (1.08 goals per game) hinges on Božić’s movement and Zuta’s creativity, aiming to counter (avg. 46% possession away), though Morrison Agyemang’s absence (suspension) weakens their backline. The 5,000-strong Rijeka crowd will push their side, likely forcing Šibenik into a defensive shell, with Rijeka’s attack poised to capitalize.

Prediction: Rijeka vs Šibenik

Our Prediction: Rijeka to Win 2-0

TIP 2: Total Goal - Over 2