HNK Rijeka vs Strasbourg Prediction - UEFA Europa Conference League
Strasbourg are leading the group with a devastating run of form, but their trip to Croatia promises to be a tough one against a highly resilient HNK Rijeka at home.
The clash between HNK Rijeka and Strasbourg in the UEFA Europa Conference League at 00:45 on March 13, 2026, is one of the most notable matches of the round. While the visiting team Strasbourg is demonstrating absolute dominance at the top of the group, the home team HNK Rijeka is proving particularly difficult to beat with their pragmatic playing style and disciplined defense.
00:45 on March 13th - UEFA Europa Conference League Round
The match will take place at Stadion HNK Rijeka, where the home team has yet to suffer a defeat this season. This will be a real test of Strasbourg's mettle in their efforts to maintain their top spot in the league table.
Current league position and form
| Team | Location | Point | form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strasbourg | 1 | 16 | 4 wins, 1 draw |
| HNK Rijeka | 16 | 9 | 2 wins, 3 draws |
HNK Rijeka - The Impregnable Fortress
Despite being ranked 16th in the standings with 9 points, HNK Rijeka is not an easy opponent to beat. After 8 matches played, the Croatian team has won 4, drawn 3, and lost only 1. Notably, they have never tasted defeat when playing at their home ground.
HNK Rijeka's greatest strength lies in their solid defense. They concede an average of only 0.4 goals per game, an extremely impressive figure in continental competitions. Their quiet but effective playing style makes Rijeka a very resilient opponent for any big team.
Strasbourg - Strength from the top of the table.
On the other side of the battlefield, Strasbourg is showing excellent form with 6 wins and 2 draws after 8 rounds, without a single defeat. The French team possesses a powerful attack with an average of 1.8 goals per game.
Strasbourg's away form is also impressive, having won all four of their away matches. However, facing HNK Rijeka's defense, which has only conceded three goals this season, will be a completely different challenge compared to their previous opponents.
Expected force and formation
In terms of personnel, both teams have their strongest squads available, with no reports of serious injuries or suspensions. This allows both coaches to field their optimal lineups to implement their tactical plans.
Tactical analysis and predictions
Based on statistical indicators, the match is likely to be a closely contested affair. Strasbourg will take the initiative to control possession and attack, while HNK Rijeka will stick to their characteristic defensive counter-attacking style. The home team has a very high chance of earning points, with a predicted win or draw for HNK Rijeka at 90%.
Given the importance of the match and the home team's solid defense, this is unlikely to be a high-scoring game. A draw or a narrow victory for the home team in a low-scoring match is entirely possible.
Team lineup updated at 00:15 on March 13, 2026
Official lineup
HNK Rijeka
Diagram: 4-4-2
CoachVictor Sanchez
Starting lineup:
- 13. Martin Zlomislić (G)
- 22. Ante Oreč (D)
- 45. Ante Majstorović (D)
- 6. Stjepan Radeljić (D)
- 34. Mladen Devetak (D)
- 20. Merveil Ndockyt (M)
- 55. Alfonso Barco (M)
- 26. Tiago Dantas (M)
- 14. Amer Gojak (M)
- 18. Daniel Adu-Adjei (F)
- 10. Toni Fruk (F)
Substitutes:
- 99. Aleksa Todorović
- 23. Justas Lasickas
- 51. Anel Husić
- 91. Noel Bodetić
- 7. Tornike Morchiladze
- 8. Dejan Petrovič
- 11. Gabriel Rukavina
- 9. Duje Čop
- 25. Dominik Thaqi
- 77. Ante Matej Jurić
Strasbourg
Diagram: 3-4-2-1
CoachGary O'Neil
Starting lineup:
- 39. Mike Penders (G)
- 6. Ismael Doukouré (D)
- 24. Lucas Høgsberg (D)
- 3. Ben Chilwell (D)
- 22. Guéla Doué (M)
- 32. Valentín Barco (M)
- 29. Samir El Mourabet (M)
- 27. Samuel Amo-Ameyaw (M)
- 11. Sebastian Nanasi (F)
- 19. Julio Enciso (F)
- 9. Joaquin Panichelli (F)
Substitutes:
- 1. Karl-Johan Johnsson
- 60. Gabriel Kerckaert
- 2. Andrew Omobamidele
- 17. Mathis Amougou
- 42. Abdoul Ouattara
- 83. Rafael Luis
- 80. Gessime Yassine
- 46. Max Marechal
- 15. David Datro Fofana
- 20. Martial Godo
- 37. Ghianny Kodia
- 38. Jean-Baptiste Bosey


