**Maribor looking sharp heading into the break, Gorica searching for answers.** This friendly gives both sides a chance to tinker before the next domestic push, but the form gap is real. 🔴⚪

Maribor's picked up **one win and two draws** in their last three, beating NK Brežice 1919 comfortably but grinding out stalemates against tougher opposition. Gorica, meanwhile, are **0W-1D-3L** — losing back-to-back to Shakhtar Donetsk and FC St. Pauli. They'll be without **A. Kavelj** through injury, a blow to their defensive setup.

Key storylines:

- **Maribor's midfield** — **N. Viher** and **Ž. Repas** controlling tempo against Gorica's struggling side
- **Cipot on the wing** — **T. Cipot** has been active in the final third for Maribor's attacking build
- **Gorica's defensive fragility** — missing Kavelj and already leaking goals, they could be in for a rough outing

Expected lineups:

- **NK Maribor**: A. Jug, Č. Bumbić, B. M'bondo, L. Vidmar, M. Španring, N. Viher, Ž. Repas, I. Tshipamba, A. Reghba, B. Feta, T. Cipot
- **HNK Gorica**: D. Matijaš, I. Cvijanović, H. I. Moustapha, J. Filipović, B. Bogojević, D. Pavičić, J. Frigan, O. Bakić, F. Braut, A. Erceg, P. Mijić

Prediction:

**Maribor 2–0 Gorica.** Maribor edge it on form and squad depth; Gorica could struggle without Kavelj. 🎯