AP Sports Preview

DOBROVCE, Slovenia (Interstat) — Dobrovce hosts Avto Rajh Ljutomer on Saturday, May 16, in a 3. SNL matchup that pits two mid-table sides against each other at a pivotal point of the Slovenian third-division season.

Both teams enter on divergent runs. Dobrovce (0-3 at NK Hajdina on May 9) has lost six of its past eight league matches, including a 3-2 home defeat to Brezice and a 6-1 thrashing by Fuzinar. The home side’s lone bright spot in that stretch was a 1-0 win at NK ’S’martno Ljubljana on April 26.

Avto Rajh Ljutomer, meanwhile, arrives with momentum. The visitors pounded Rogaska 6-2 on May 10, their second win in three outings. That result followed a 5-2 loss at Carda Martjanci but featured a potent attack that has produced 17 goals in its past six games.

The teams last met Oct. 31, 2025, a 1-1 draw in Dobrovce. In 10 previous meetings this season, Avto Rajh Ljutomer holds a slight edge with two wins, two losses and six draws, though the last three matchups have all ended level.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 2-2 deadlock, reflecting the teams’ comparable overall records. Dobrovce has struggled to score at home, averaging less than one goal per game, while Avto Rajh Ljutomer has been more prolific away, netting twice in three of its last four road contests.

Dobrovce will look to tighten a defense that allowed three or more goals in five of its past seven losses. Avto Rajh Ljutomer’s attack, led by a hot streak from its front line, will test that vulnerability.

Kickoff is at 3 p.m. local time. The match is part of the 3. SNL’s regular-season schedule; both teams are fighting to improve their position ahead of the final stretch.

Next up for Avto Rajh Ljutomer is a home match against SD Videm on May 23.