HNK Gorica vs NK Varazdin Prediction - 26th January 2026

The HNL serves up an intriguing mid-table clash as seventh-placed HNK Gorica hosts sixth-placed NK Varazdin. With just four points separating the sides, this fixture could prove pivotal in the battle for a top-half finish. Both teams enter this match with identical recent records of four wins, three draws, and three losses from their last ten outings, but their approaches couldn't be more different. Gorica's strength lies in their home form and defensive solidity. At their own ground, they've won 57% of their last seven matches, scoring 1.43 goals per game while conceding just 0.71. Their recent results tell a story of resilience: a 1-0 victory over Zalaegerszegi TE, a 2-0 win against Radomlje, and a 1-1 draw with Koper in friendlies, followed by league successes including a 1-0 win over Istra 1961 and a convincing 4-1 demolition of NK Lokomotiva Zagreb. However, they did suffer a 0-2 home defeat to league leaders Dinamo Zagreb, showing they can be vulnerable against quality opposition. Varazdin presents the polar opposite profile. They've been scoring for fun, netting 23 goals in their last ten matches at an average of 2.30 per game, but they've also conceded 16 at 1.60 per match. Their recent friendly results have been particularly eye-catching: a 4-0 thrashing of Emirates Club, a 4-2 victory over Ittifaq, and a 7-2 demolition of Sesvete. In league action, they've shown they can compete with the best, securing a 1-1 draw away at second-placed HNK Hajduk Split, but also suffering disappointing losses like the 0-2 defeat to Vukovar and a 1-3 home loss to Istra 1961. The head-to-head history between these sides is remarkably balanced, with Gorica winning just once, Varazdin winning twice, and an astonishing five draws in their eight meetings. Most tellingly, both teams have scored in six of those eight encounters (75%), including their most recent meeting in October 2025 which ended 3-1 to Varazdin. Gorica has never beaten Varazdin at home, managing just two draws and one loss from three attempts. Statistically, Varazdin creates more chances, averaging 11.80 shots with 4.20 on target compared to Gorica's 9.57 shots and 3.57 on target. They also win more corners (5.60 vs 3.00) and maintain slightly more possession (45% vs 43%). However, Gorica's defensive organization at home has been impressive, keeping three clean sheets in their last ten matches (30%) compared to Varazdin's two (20%). From a betting perspective, the market offers Both Teams to Score at 1.83, which represents excellent value given the underlying data. Gorica's home scoring record (1.43 goals per game) combined with Varazdin's prolific away form (2.00 goals per game) suggests both teams will find the net. Varazdin's defensive vulnerabilities (1.60 goals conceded away) should give Gorica opportunities, while Gorica's solid home defense (0.71 conceded) will be tested by Varazdin's potent attack. **Key Points:** - Both teams have identical recent form: 4 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses from last 10 - Gorica strong at home: 57% win rate, 1.43 scored, 0.71 conceded per game - Varazdin prolific away: 2.00 goals scored but 1.60 conceded per game - Head-to-head: 5 draws in 8 matches, both teams scored in 6 of 8 (75%) - Last meeting: Varazdin won 3-1 in October 2025 - Gorica has never beaten Varazdin at home (0 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss) - Statistical edge: Varazdin creates more chances (11.80 vs 9.57 shots per game) **Summary:** This match pits Gorica's home defensive strength against Varazdin's attacking prowess. While a draw seems plausible given the historical record, the most reliable betting angle appears to be Both Teams to Score. With Gorica likely to score at home and Varazdin almost certain to contribute given their scoring form, the 1.83 odds offer genuine value against what I estimate as a 65% probability of both teams finding the net.