Rijeka vs Lokomotiva Zagreb Prediction: Can Rijeka keep the 1st place?

We are expecting an extremely tense race for the champion of Croatia in which Dinamo, Hajduk, and Rijeka have arguments about why they should cross the finish line first, but also flaws that can prevent them from doing so. Rijeka are on a great streak of five wins in a row, Hajduk returned to winning ways against Slaven with a convincing victory and has a favorable schedule in the next rounds, while Dinamo are somehow struggling, but surely have the quality in the team to win the title again. In the 23rd round of the SuperSport HNL, Rijeka welcomes fired-up Lokomotiva, which are also in great shape, at a sold-out Rujevica. In this 2024 year, Lokos recorded two wins and two draws, they surprised Dinamo twice (win and draw), and they are dangerous. 

Form: WWWWD

Hajduk and Dinamo are currently not in optimal shape, and Rijeka sees this and have their chance to win the championship again after seven years. These matches in the second part showed a new positive shift. They improved their away game, which they lacked in the autumn part. They achieved three important victories away from home. On two occasions in difficult playing conditions in Gorica, and in between in the hellish atmosphere of Poljud. At the same time, they can beat anyone at Rujevica. They started the rest of the season very well, which makes them the most serious candidate for first place. They have 2 points more than 2nd placed Hajduk and 6 points more than Dinamo Zagreb.

Form: WWDDW

In Maksimir, against all speculations and expectations, Lokomotiva showed that they are playing on their level and that if they can beat Hajduk and Dinamo, they should be congratulated for that. Rijeka have been more successful recently, but convincing victories have been rare. In two matches against Dinamo, they showed that they can handle the best. They have a motive, they want to overtake Osijek and take 4th place, which would be a good reward. They play well, and they deserve special praise for their policy and decision to provide opportunities for young people. They're not the only ones doing it, but they're one of the best at it and they're developing a lot of players. Lokomotiva have 29 points and are in 5th position.

Lokomotiva always comes to Rujevica with an open guard and I believe it will be the same on Saturday. I expect an open game in which the guests can create problems, but it will not be easy for them. In their last 5 matches, Rijeka won 4 times, and one match ended in a draw. Rijeka after a long time will have almost all players ready and fit for a match in the league. I think that Rijeka will win this match, but I expect both teams to perform at a high level, as they were playing in the last matches. Home win, match with more than 2.5 goals and BTTS are my picks for this match