Istra 1961 and Rijeka will clash in Pula's Aldo Drosina stadium on Sunday at 6:45 PM in a crucial Učka derby. The local rivalry provides a good reason to watch, as the home team is on an upward trajectory, while the visitors seek a positive response after the Croatian Cup final. Here is how the teams will line up:

Istra 1961 (4-2-3-1): Kolić - Kadušić, Taraba, Kumar, Šepić - Radošević, Maurić - Lončar, Ahmeti, Miettinen - Prevljak

Rijeka (4-2-3-1): Todorović - Oreč, Majstorović, Legbo, Devetak - Pavić, Barco - Ndockyt, Dantas, Gojak - Adu-Adjei

The match will be broadcast on MAXSport 1.

Istra 1961 is approaching the derby in good spirits. After five consecutive losses, the team has won against Slaven (3-1) and Osijek (1-0), returning to the top of the standings. Coach Krešimir Režić took over the club in a difficult time and has quickly changed the atmosphere in the locker room. Forward Smail Prevljak has started to return to form, and Istra is aiming to finish the season on a high note.

"The derby is always something special for us. Rijeka is our neighbor, and these matches have always been interesting. We look at each other and want to finish the season as well as possible," Režić said.

Rijeka faces a different set of challenges. They lost the Croatian Cup final to Dinamo (2-0) and are now seeking a response on the pitch. They have secured their European place for next season but are still fighting for third place. In their last two league matches, they defeated Vukovar 1991 and Lokomotiva with a score of 3-0.

"We have had a tough season, and the players have done excellent work. We have already secured Europe, and now we are looking towards third place," said coach Sanchez.

This season's matches between the two clubs have seen all possible outcomes. The first game in Rijeka ended in a 0-0 draw. The second meeting in Pula was won by Rijeka (2-1). In the third round in Rijeka, Istra surprised everyone with a 2-0 victory.