Preview: Vukovar hungry at Stadion Cibalia, but Varaždin bring form and confidence
The late-December slot in Vinkovci sets up an intriguing clash as struggling Vukovar host a confident Varaždin on 12/12/2025. Vukovar arrive on the back of a heavy 3-1 defeat away to Rijeka and a run of mixed results that has left them 10th in the table with just two wins from 16. Their season balance reads 16 goals for and 30 conceded, a figure that underlines defensive fragility and a tendency for games to be open. Stadion Cibalia will be loud — the venue holds just over 20,000 — but home comfort has not translated into many points for Vukovar: just one clean sheet at home this term and a record of two wins, six draws and eight defeats overall.
Varaždin, by contrast, sit in the top half in fourth place and approach Vukovar with momentum. They dismantled Lokomotiva 4-2 in their most recent outing, and across 16 games they have found the net 21 times while conceding 20. The away side's profile is one of attacking intent; their shot numbers and dangerous play statistics suggest an outfit comfortable creating chances and capable of punishing defensive lapses. That capacity to score away from home, combined with four clean sheets this season, gives Varaždin a balanced edge the bookmakers have noticed.
What the numbers say and how form matters
Head-to-head earlier this season already tilted in Varaždin’s favor with a 2-1 victory back in round eight. Recent form supports that outcome: Vukovar’s last five results show too many draws and losses to expect a turnaround without signs of improvement, while Varaždin have collected four wins from their last ten and arrive after a high-scoring triumph that will boost belief. Both teams have a decent share of matches seeing both teams score and a reasonable rate of over 2.5 goals — which hints at an open contest rather than a tactical stalemate — but the consistency leans toward the visitors.
For readers looking to sharpen their analysis beyond this specific fixture, consider broadening your approach to market selection with resources that explain strategy and timing, such as Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets. If you are focused on goal markets, timing can be decisive — a good primer is The right time to place bets on goal markets.
Betting suggestion: Back Varaždin in the 1X2 market. The away side’s superior form, a positive head-to-head this season and stronger attacking numbers make them the best single-market pick here. Odds available place Varaždin as the favorite at 2.25, a value selection given their balance between goals scored and defensive solidity compared with Vukovar’s struggles.