Dinamo Zagreb vs Lokomotiva Zagreb Prediction: Big city derby in Zagreb

After many years, Dinamo Zagreb are not at the top of the table at this stage of the season. The tight schedule and playing on multiple fronts took its toll. On Sunday, starting at 18:10, Dinamo and Lokomotiva will close the 13th round of SuperSport HNL at Maksimir. A very important match for the home team, who are currently in a crisis and desperately need a win to improve the atmosphere and stay at the top. 

Form: LLWLL

The current champions are in a crisis that deepened in the Conference League a couple of days ago when Dinamo capitulated against Viktorija Plzen with a result of 1:0. In the last five games, Dinamo now have a record of one win and even four losses, which is very worrying and could potentially mean another change of coach. The Blues are currently in the third position in the championship, which is not bad, but they need to get in shape urgently because Gorica have already caught up with them with points. At the moment, despite the streak they have on home turf, Lokomotiva have a solid chance to break the bad streak against Dinamo on Maksimir, especially in this match where we won't see Dinamo's best player Bruno Petkovic.

Form: DDWWL

The Lokos are in very good shape with an excellent streak of three games without defeat, while in the last six rounds, they have won three times with only one defeat and that was against Hajduk. The very good form with which Lokomotiva are coming to Maksimir should mean a good and dynamic match, but we believe that the match will swim into calmer waters and end with up to three goals. Lokomotiva are playing more closed this season under the leadership of coach Silvio Cabraja, but I believe that they will not be able to “survive” this visit, also that they will not be embarrassed and play the match with a lower number of goals. This is one of the rare chances for them to be competitive against city rivals, and we believe that they will be able to impose their rhythm with good form in the match.

Dinamo Zagreb are going through the most difficult period in the last few seasons. Four defeats in five games sound unacceptable for the Blues, but there is still no reason to panic regarding the defense of the HNL title. Dinamo welcomes city rival Lokomotiva, which have not lost in their last four games. Despite the difference in the last few weeks, Dinamo are still by far the best team in Zagreb, and they will show it with a routine victory that, in addition to the new three points, will also bring them a great deal of self-confidence. They have already managed to win against Istra without the main player, so as it is an opponent they traditionally beat, we are confident in the success of the combination of a home celebration and a maximum of three goals in the game.