RIJEKA, Croatia (Interstat) — A crucial late-season matchup in Croatia’s top youth league is set for Wednesday as Rijeka U19 hosts Sesvete U19 in a 1. HNL Juniori contest.

The Week 23 fixture at Rujevica Stadium pits two sides with identical draws (4) but separated by two wins in the league table. Sesvete U19 (15-12-4) sits above Rijeka U19 (13-13-4) in the standings, adding significance to the playoff positioning battle.

The recent head-to-head history favors the visitors. In their last meeting in December 2024, the teams played to a 1-1 draw. Before that, Sesvete U19 secured a 3-2 victory at Rijeka in August 2024.

Both teams are seeking a rebound from draws on Sept. 20. Sesvete U19 fell 2-1 at home to Slaven Koprivnica U19, while Rijeka U19 battled to a 1-1 draw with Varazdin U19.

Despite Sesvete’s slightly better record, statistical models heavily favor the home side. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 2-1 victory for Rijeka U19, while its ELO rating system gives Rijeka a 91.5% probability to win.

Rijeka U19 will look to build on its recent offensive outbursts, which include an 11-0 rout of Graničar Đurđevac U19 in May. Sesvete U19 has also shown a high-powered attack, defeating Hajduk Split U19 4-0 in August.

Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Rijeka U19’s next match is on the road against league powerhouse Dinamo Zagreb U19.