Lokomotiva Zagreb vs Rijeka Prediction: Rijeka are under pressure to win

This weekend in HNL, everything is ready for a very interesting match in Kranjceviceva in Zagreb, where Lokomotiva and Rijeka will compete. The visiting team under coach Zeljko Sopic wins from week to week and has already won 9 in a row. Rijeka needs one more, in order to welcome the big clash with Dinamo in Rujevica with an advantage, in which the Croatian champion could be decided. After the win against Varazdin, Dinamo are leader in the table with a point more than Rijeka but also one more match played. Lokomotiva have their own motives, as they are in pursuit of the 4th place.

Form: LWDLD

Lokomotiva, have been playing very well all season under coach Silvio Cabraj and is fighting for a place in Europe next summer. In 2024, Lokos took points away from Dinamo twice, and they also celebrated with a victory at Poljud against Hajduk. However, against Rijeka, they could not achieve a positive result, and this is their last chance to prove themselves in a duel with the championship leader. There are many talented young players in the ranks of the hosts. Silvio Gorican plays well during the spring, and Robert Mudrazija brings stability to the middle of the field. Vladimir Bubanja is another dangerous player going forward, while Duje Cop brings experience that will be much needed by Lokomotiva in this uncertain derby in Zagreb. Lokomotiva are in 5th place with 44 points, only a point behind Osijek.

Form: WWWWW

Sopic can be satisfied with the form of the team because many players showed themselves when it mattered. First of all, it is worth highlighting Marko Pjaca. Croatian representative winger revived his career in Rijeka, and a minor knee injury is now a thing of the past. Rijeka's offense still has Pasalic, who can always score with a long-range shot, while Mirko Maric proved to be a very good reinforcement in the center forward position. Franjo Ivanovic and Jorge Obregon are waiting for their chance from the second plan, so we can say that Rijeka's offensive is threatening from all sides. In the midfield, Niko Jankovic is having a great season, and there are also Veldin Hodza and Toni Fruk who are doing a good job in the midfield. As for the defense, Bruno Goda regularly cuts forward and scores, while Niko Galesic and Stjepan Radeljic proved to be very good stoppers. 

Either because of their form or because of their position in the rankings, the bookmakers decided to declare Rijeka the big favorite in this derby. However, I believe that Lokomotiva will not go down easily this time. Cabraja's team is very dangerous in the attack and will certainly have a few big chances on Sunday. I also expect efficiency from Rijeka, which is why my recommendation is to bet on both teams scoring a goal.