NK Varaždin host NK Osijek in a key match of the 8th round of the Croatian First Football League at Gradski stadion NK Varaždin. The home side currently sits third in the table with 14 points from seven games, just two points behind leaders Hajduk Split.
Varaždin enter this clash following a 2-2 away draw with Gorica. Prior to that, they secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Zagora, and in their last two home matches, they beat Rudes and drew with Istra 1961. The team's top scorer this season is Ivan Canjuga with three goals.
Osijek are second in the table and arrive in Varaždin after a spectacular 4-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb. However, their away form has been inconsistent, with heavy defeats to Rijeka and Hajduk Split. In the last meeting between the sides, in April this year, Varaždin won 2-0 in Osijek. Current lineups and injury news for both teams can be found on the squad page.
The match represents a significant test for both sides in the race for the top spots. The winner will significantly strengthen their position ahead of the next round of fixtures.
