Lokomotiva (home team)
- NK Lokomotiva Zagreb sit 8th in HNL 2025/2026, having collected 31 points from 28 games, while their upcoming opponents NK Istra 1961 Pula are 5th on 36 points from 27.
- Lokomotiva have won none of their last two home games, taking only one point.
- They have lost three of their last five, drawn two, and won none, while they have failed to win either of their two most recent home matches against Istra.
- Head coach Nikica Jelavic has had an impressive first season at the club, bringing through some young talent and implementing a modern, structured playing style based on controlled possession and a solid mid-block.
- Lokomotiva have won 6, drawn 4 and lost 4 of their 14 home games in HNL 2025/2026, averaging 1.36 scored and 1.43 conceded per game.
- Lokomotiva’s recent home form has seen them drop points against Vukovar 1991 (1-1) and lose heavily to GNK Dinamo Zagreb (0-5) and Istra will fancy their chances against the young hosts here.
Istra (away team)
- Istra have won their last two matches, away at Rijeka (2-0) and at home to NK Varazdin (2-1).
- Oriol Riera was appointed as Istra head coach in September 2025 and has completely changed the identity of the team, turning them into a dynamic, high-pressing side that transitions quickly and attacks verticality.
- Istra have won one and lost one of their last two away games, but they face a young side here that they can likely unsettle with their high-pressing game and directness.
Head-to-Head
Istra have won one of their last three games against Lokomotiva, with the other two ending in draws, the most recent being 1-1 at Istra's ground two months ago.
Key Players
- Ibrahim Sabra has scored two of Lokomotiva’s last four goals and is their most in-form striker, but Aleks Stojakovic is their dangerman with 8 goals in 27 HNL 2025/2026 appearances.
- Smail Prevljak has been Istra’s danger man this season, scoring 11 goals in 24 HNL 2025/2026 matches and he will be the focal point of their attack against Lokomotiva on Saturday.
Betting Insights
- The visitors are the clear favorites here and after two consecutive wins, they appear to be in better form, but there is still much football left to play before the season is done.
- The 3.25 odds on an Istra away win look attractive given these factors.
Prediction
Istra will fancy their chances against the young hosts here.
