Lokomotiva Zagreb (home)
- NK Lokomotiva Zagreb currently sits 3rd in the HNL 2025-2026 table with 16 points from 10 matches, performing above expectations in the league.
- Nikica Jelavic has done a fine job at Lokomotiva since taking over in July 2025, making the Green and Whites one of the most vertical and energetic sides in the HNL.
- The three-at-the-back system that Jelavic has set up is perfect for his high-tempo, wing-heavy style of soccer, where Lokomotiva presses high up the field and looks to overload the opposition’s wide areas.
- Lokomotiva’s form has been somewhat inconsistent in the last few weeks, with two wins, two ties, and one defeat from their last five HNL games, but our NK Lokomotiva Zagreb vs NK Istra 1961 Pula betting tips suggest they could regain momentum.
- However, they have won each of their last two home games, suggesting that they should be confident going into Saturday’s fixture against Istra.
- Fabijan Krivak is Lokomotiva’s star player with three goals in ten HNL appearances, although he has scored two of his three league goals in the host’s last five matches, making the forward their main threat on Saturday.
Istra 1961 Pula (away)
- NK Istra 1961 Pula currently occupies 6th position in the HNL 2025-2026 with 12 points from its opening 10 matches.
- Oriol Riera was appointed head coach of Istra in September 2025, and has overseen a return to stability at the club after the chaos of the opening games of the campaign.
- Riera has implemented a more compact, disciplined style of play, with more structure in midfield, and a greater focus on transitional play and set-pieces which is considered in this NK Lokomotiva Zagreb vs NK Istra 1961 Pula betting tips analysis.
- Istra’s recent form is more mixed, with two wins, one draw, and two defeats from their last five HNL matches.
- Stjepan Loncar leads the line for Istra with three league goals in ten appearances, and will be key for the visitors if they are to earn a positive result from this game.
Head-to-Head
- Lokomotiva will test Istra’s organisation defensively with their high-pressing game and attacking intent, although the visitors may be able to exploit Lokomotiva’s high defensive line on the counter, and the NK Lokomotiva Zagreb vs NK Istra 1961 Pula prediction takes these tactical factors into account.
- The hosts have failed to beat Istra in their last two meetings at their home ground, so there may be a mental block to overcome, although Lokomotiva has won both of their previous two league matches at home.
Key Players
- Fabijan Krivak - Lokomotiva’s main attacking threat with three goals in ten appearances.
- Stjepan Loncar - Istra’s leading forward with three league goals in ten appearances.
Betting Insights
- Given that Istra are still awaiting their first road win this season, the odds of 2.4 about the win for Lokomotiva are attractive, and the NK Lokomotiva Zagreb vs NK Istra 1961 Pula betting tips highlight this value.
- Lokomotiva has averaged 1.20 goals scored and 1.00 goals conceded per home league game this term, while Istra has only scored 0.60 goals per away match, but have conceded 1.60.
- With the two sides averaging less than two goals combined, the Under 2.5 goals market at 1.9 appeals.
Prediction
Istra’s odds of 2.75 for the victory are equally appealing, although we’re backing the favourites to just edge a tight game .
