Lokomotiva
- NK Lokomotiva are 7th in the HNL 2025-2026 standings with 23 points from 20 matches, one more point than 8th placed Gorica.
- Lokomotiva have won one, drawn one and lost three of their last five HNL matches.
- Lokomotiva’s manager Nikica Jelavic, in charge since July 2025, has made his team a high-tempo pressing side that can be very effective on its day.
- Their current struggles can be attributed to a lack of end-product, with Aleks Stojakovic the only real outlet, the striker having scored six league goals in 19 appearances, two of Lokomotiva’s last six.
Gorica
- Gorica have struggled away from home in 2025-2026, winning only two of nine on the road and losing four, while averaging only 1.11 goals per game.
- Mario Carevic has done an admirable job since he was appointed manager in October 2024, keeping his team compact, disciplined and adaptable in any system.
- Filip Cuic’s four league goals in 20 matches may not be a lot, but the striker is a target for the team to play off and provides Gorica with a focal point for their counterattacks.
Head-to-Head
The odds look very attractive, but there is more of a head-to-head momentum for the visitors, who have won the last two meetings, thumping Lokomotiva 4-1 at home in HNL 2025/2026, three months ago.
Key Players
- Their current struggles can be attributed to a lack of end-product, with Aleks Stojakovic the only real outlet, the striker having scored six league goals in 19 appearances, two of Lokomotiva’s last six.
- Filip Cuic’s four league goals in 20 matches may not be a lot, but the striker is a target for the team to play off and provides Gorica with a focal point for their counterattacks.
Betting Insights
- The bookmakers have Lokomotiva as narrow favorites at 2.1, but Gorica are not far behind at 3.35, with the draw priced at 3.2.
- Given neither side has been scoring a lot of goals and the visitors’ defensive approach, under 2.5 goals at 1.77 looks good.
Prediction
The match-up between Lokomotiva’s high-tempo, high-pressing game and Gorica’s disciplined and compact low-block is intriguing and could be decided by whoever controls the transitions better.
