Jarun vs Dubrava Zagreb - First NL

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Jarun and Dubrava Zagreb together at the home ground on May 17, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the First NL occasion. He is expected to miss the Community Shield game against Arsenal and the opening Premier League fixture of the season as a result.

Both Jarun and Dubrava Zagreb will be eager to build momentum when they meet in First NL. Jarun's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors have been enduring a wretched campaign, D in their last five and a season win rate of just 20% that leaves them deep in trouble. Larson has not visited Victory Lane since May last year but remains firmly in championship contention, sitting eighth in the standings as the NASCAR Chase approaches in September.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Jarun favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Dubrava Zagreb are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. After the loss, a lot of questions began to be raised about their different approach to preparing for the game.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Adama Traore was even able to get away with a quite extraordinary headed own goal on debut.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. With positions in the First NL table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. A more central role appears likely given the sale of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered by Amadou Onana at the World Cup.