**Rudeš sits at the foot of the early 2026–27 HNL table with just four points from eight matches and a –14 goal difference, positioning the newly promoted side as the clear favorite for relegation among traders.** Gorica and Slaven Belupo occupy the next positions in the drop zone, though both hold marginally better records after the opening rounds. The 10-team league relegates the bottom club directly to the Prva NL, and Rudeš’s poor start—following promotion after two years away—has shaped the current implied probabilities reflected in market pricing. Upcoming fixtures, squad adjustments, and results over the next several weeks will determine whether the gap at the bottom widens or narrows before the winter break.