KIDRIČEVO, Slovenia (Interstat) — NK Aluminij U19 hosts NK Rudar Velenje U19 on Sunday, May 3, in a 1. Mladinska Liga match, with both sides seeking consistency after mixed recent results.

The teams played to a 2-2 draw in their last meeting Nov. 15 in Velenje. Aluminij enters on a two-game losing streak after a 3-2 defeat at Brinje Grosup U19 on April 24. Rudar Velenje ended a five-match winless run with a 3-2 home victory over Mura U19 on Monday, April 27.

Aluminij’s season has been erratic. The club owns lopsided wins — 4-0 over NK Fužinar Ravne U19 on March 13 and 4-2 against Koper U19 on Dec. 7 — but also heavy defeats, including a 6-3 loss to Radomlje on March 1 and a 3-0 setback against Bravo U19 on Feb. 23. In its past seven matches, Aluminij has alternated between wins and losses, never stringing together consecutive victories.

Rudar Velenje has struggled on the road this season. The club lost 1-0 at Ilirija on April 4 and fell 5-0 at Koper U19 on March 18. It recorded a 4-1 home win over Krka U19 on March 1 and played scoreless draws against Jadran Dekani on Dec. 7 and Ilir Ljubljana U19 on March 6. The team has scored only seven goals across its past eight matches, with five of those results coming in losses.

In head-to-head history, the Nov. 15 draw followed a pattern of close contests. Aluminij has shown stronger offensive output at home, scoring 10 goals in its last three home matches across all competitions. Rudar Velenje’s defensive shape — including three clean sheets in its past 11 games — may test that attack.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 3-2 home victory for Aluminij. The forecast suggests a high-scoring affair, with both teams’ recent defensive lapses potentially creating chances.

Sunday’s result could carry weight in the league standings as the season enters its final stretch. Aluminij returns to action May 13 at Brinje Grosuplje, while Rudar Velenje will look to build on its win over Mura and improve its away form.

Kickoff is scheduled for the afternoon at Aluminij’s home ground.