ŽIRI, Slovenia (Interstat) — A Slovenian Cup matchup on Tuesday pits second-division side NK Žiri against the youth squad of NK Aluminij in a battle of teams seeking their first win in this year’s competition.

The match at Žiri’s home ground offers a classic cup test of experience versus youth. The home side enters with momentum from a positive start to its league campaign, having secured 1-0 victories in its two most recent outings against NK Velesovo and NK Šobec Lesce in late August and September.

NK Aluminij U19, however, arrives following a 2-0 loss to Ilir Ljubljana U19 in youth league play on Oct. 19. The visitors’ season has been a rollercoaster, showcasing a potent but inconsistent attack. They have recorded high-scoring victories, including a 7-1 win over NK Bukovci and a 5-0 defeat of NK Hajdina, but have also suffered heavy defeats, such as a 6-0 loss to Radomlje.

The projection from Interstat’s game simulator favors the experienced home side, predicting a narrow 1-0 victory for NK Žiri.

The cup tie represents a departure from league duties for both clubs. NK Aluminij U19 will quickly return to its 1. Mladinska Liga schedule, facing Brinje Grosup U19 just two days after the cup fixture.

Kickoff is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025.