MARIBOR, Slovenia (Interstat) — NK Zeleznicar Maribor will look to rebound from a rare loss when it hosts struggling NK Rudar Velenje U19 in 1. Mladinska Liga youth football action on Sunday.

The home side enters the match following a 2-1 road defeat to Brinje Grosup U19 on April 13, a result that snapped a four-game unbeaten streak in league play. Prior to that, Zeleznicar Maribor had demonstrated strong form, including a 4-1 victory over Brezice and a 3-1 win against Jadran Dekani in March.

Their opponents from Velenje are mired in a prolonged slump. Rudar Velenje U19 has lost three consecutive matches, most recently a 1-0 defeat to Ilirija on April 4. The team’s defensive struggles are pronounced, having been outscored 11-0 during this three-game skid, which includes a 5-0 loss to Koper U19.

The head-to-head history heavily favors Zeleznicar Maribor. In their last meeting on Oct. 17, 2025, Zeleznicar Maribor delivered a commanding 4-0 away victory over Rudar Velenje U19.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a continuation of that trend, forecasting a 3-1 win for Zeleznicar Maribor on Sunday.

For Rudar Velenje U19, finding any offensive momentum will be critical. The team has failed to score in five of its last six outings. Its last goal came in a 4-1 win over Krka U19 on March 1, its only victory in its last nine matches across all competitions.

Zeleznicar Maribor, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on its potent attack, which has produced three or more goals in three of its last seven league games. A win would provide vital momentum ahead of a key road fixture at Ilirija on April 25.

Rudar Velenje U19’s next match is at home against Mura U19 on April 26.

Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Zeleznicar Maribor’s home ground.