Rijeka vs Slaven Belupo on 24 January
The upcoming clash between Rijeka and Slaven Belupo in the Premier League on January 24 promises to be a gripping encounter. Both teams will be eager to capitalize on the opportunity, with significant implications for their respective campaigns. Rijeka, pushing for European spots, will look to cement their position, while Slaven Belupo, fighting for survival, needs to secure valuable points to stay clear of the relegation zone. The match will take place at the iconic Stadion Rujevica in Rijeka, with clear skies expected, ensuring no weather-related disruptions.
Rijeka: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Rijeka has been in solid form recently, securing three wins and two draws in their last five matches. Their tactical setup is built around a high pressing game, with an emphasis on quick transitions from defense to attack. They prefer to dominate possession, averaging 58% over the past five games, and rely on creating chances through wide play and quick, decisive passing in the final third.
Key player for Rijeka is the versatile midfielder, who has been their engine in both attack and defense. His ability to break up opposition plays and transition quickly into attacking moves has been pivotal in their recent successes. However, the absence of their top scorer, due to injury, has forced a slight tactical shift. Rijeka will need to rely on their other forwards to step up and convert chances. In the backline, they are solid but occasionally vulnerable to long balls over the top, which Slaven Belupo may try to exploit.
Slaven Belupo: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Slaven Belupo enters this match in poor form, with only one win in their last five matches and several defensive vulnerabilities. Their primary tactical approach is to sit deep, absorb pressure, and look for counter-attacking opportunities. They have averaged just 45% possession in their last five matches, relying more on creating chances from set pieces and quick counter-attacks.
Their standout player is the attacking midfielder, who has been a constant threat with his ability to drive forward and link up play. However, his effectiveness is diminished when they are forced to defend for prolonged periods. Additionally, Slaven Belupo will miss their starting center-back due to suspension, which could leave them exposed to Rijeka's potent attacking threats.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last five encounters, Rijeka has won three times, with Slaven Belupo securing just one victory. The most recent match was a narrow 1-0 win for Rijeka, but there have been signs of improvement from Slaven Belupo, particularly in their resilience. Historically, Rijeka has been dominant at home, and their tactical flexibility has been a key factor in overcoming Slaven Belupo. This trend will likely continue, especially with the absence of a few key Slaven Belupo players.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One crucial battle will be in midfield, where Rijeka's engine will face off against Slaven Belupo’s creative midfielder. If Rijeka can control the midfield, they will be able to dominate possession and dictate the pace of the game. On the wings, Rijeka’s pacey wingers will look to exploit the defensive gaps left by Slaven Belupo’s full-backs, particularly with the latter's tendency to push up the field.
Defensively, Slaven Belupo will need to focus on preventing Rijeka’s forwards from breaking through the middle, as their defense has struggled to deal with quick, direct attacks. Rijeka's ability to deliver accurate crosses from wide positions will be a key weapon.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given the tactical setups of both teams, Rijeka is likely to dominate possession, while Slaven Belupo will sit back and look to hit on the counter. Rijeka’s attacking threats, combined with Slaven Belupo’s defensive frailties, should lead to several goals in the match. The most probable outcome is a 2-1 victory for Rijeka, with both teams likely to score. Rijeka’s superior individual quality, especially in attack, should be the difference in this clash.
Final Thoughts
Rijeka’s possession-heavy style and attacking potency should see them edge out Slaven Belupo, whose defensive vulnerabilities and reliance on counter-attacks will likely not be enough. The match will answer whether Slaven Belupo can prove their resilience and push for a crucial point, or if Rijeka’s dominance will take them one step closer to securing European football next season.
