Dinamo Zagreb vs NK Lokomotiva Zagreb Prediction: Comfortable Win For The Hosts Through An Asian Handicap

The long-awaited Croatian HNL League has resumed play after a 1-month hiatus following the conclusion of the 2021/22 season on May 28th, 2022.

Now a new chapter is about to start with the 2022/23 season, commencing this Friday with a set of teams prepared to earn their first victories on the dot.

Talking about first wins, the opening match of the Croatian 1.HNL League will kick-off with Croatian league champions Dinamo Zagreb up against Lokomotiva Zagreb, an interesting match-up that you don't want to miss out on. Without further ado, let's jump right on it!

Being crowned champions for the 23rd time was like a never-ending melody to their ears; an achievement too great to overlook once more as they fought tooth and nail to surpass their rivals and successfully lift the prestigious trophy high in the air for the millionth consecutive time, an achievement they already knew was within their grasp.

Fortunately, fate was not yet done with them as it had other plans for them on the side as they went on ahead to win the Croatian Super Cup against Hadjuk Split after a tense stalemate goalless draw, with the penalty shootout playing a decisive role for them in securing a (Dinamo Zagreb 4-1 Hadjuk Split in penalties) victory.

Their defence surely has been one of a kind, posing as an impregnable fortress, and the visitors' chances of finding the back of the net are very slim.

Observing their past 2021/22 season, they maintained a positive set of results and had no trouble whatsoever being in-form. It's only a matter of question if they can do so again at the start of the new season.

Starting on a new slate brings up way too many possibilities as to whether the 2022/23 season will come bearing good fortune for them this time around or if it'll be the same as finishing in the 5th spot once again as they did in their previous season, and only time can tell.

Clouded with regret, feeling they could've done better to finish off in a better position, but through all that they've seen a promising improvement from being positioned in 8th place in the 2020/21 season to 5th place in 2021/22. And expectations may be a little higher this time, with them finishing in second or third place.

After playing three friendly games to hone their form, in this case for the upcoming season, they only managed a point against Celje after being held to a 1-1 draw and losing to Go Ahead Eagles (2-0) and Ajax FC (3-0).

Lucky enough, those results will have to be brushed off to let them off the hook, as some will speculate that those were just club friendlies, nothing serious there. While they were inconsistent in their previous season, finding a win in their first away game will definitely lift their spirits for the better.

It's just so unbelievable and at the same time thrilling to see how far they can go in obtaining consecutive titles in a row, and if there were any other way to back them up to secure another title in maybe 5 years, I would definitely jump right on it, pretty sure the odds would be high!

With clubs coming back from their respective breaks, this is a fairly new season and opening games do tend to hold a lot of surprises, which is why taking it easy during this period is highly recommended.

A win for them this Friday is already predicted, and what better place to do so than at home?

Backing up Dinamo Zagreb in an Asian Handicap-1.5, which basically puts them in the line to win by 2 goals to nil against Lokomotiva Zagreb, who I feel will have a hard time finding the back of the net, isn't much of a risky pick.

Let's hope their attacking spirit hasn't been extinguished after the one month break as I fancy my chances of them winning the first half comfortably and going for the home win combined with total goals to be scored to go beyond over 2.5 is not such a bad idea either, tasty odds there.

• Dinamo Zagreb AH -1.5 for 1.87
• W1 1st half for 1.73
• W1 And TO 2.5 - Yes for 1.92

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