Dinamo Zagreb vs Lokomotiva Zagreb Prediction: Zagreb’s derby without much tension

This Saturday, Maksimir will host an important HNL match, in which city rivals Dinamo and Lokomotiva will compete. The home team led by Fabio Cannavaro experienced failure against Rijeka, Osijek and Hajduk in previous matches, but returned to the winning track with a triumph in Koprivnica. Now Dinamo wants three more points, in a duel with a rival who easily beat them in Kranjceviceva at the end of last year. Lokomotiva are becoming increasingly tricky opponents for Dinamo even though these teams were known for their good friendly relations, which changed a lot in recent years.

Dinamo Zagreb

Form: WDLLW

The "Blues" are still not completely out of the title fight, and they could get even closer to the leaders this weekend, as Rijeka and Hajduk play each other on Sunday. That's why Cannavaro is looking for maximum involvement in this city derby, with Martin Baturina as a key player who will lead the current champion's offensive. Bruno Petkovic is in the squad for this match, but the question is how much he can give after a serious injury. It remains an open question whether Wilfried Kanga will live in the center forward position or whether the Italian strategist will prefer Sandro Kulenovic. As for the booked players, Cannavaro can't count on Pierre-Gabriel and Galesic, who will be suspended for the second of a total of three games due to a red card in the derby. Dinamo are in 3rd place with 42 points, six points less than Hajduk Split.

Lokomotiva Zagreb

Form: WLLWW

The 'Lokos' currently hold the 6th place in the championship with a record of 9-4-12 with a goal difference of 36:40. They are the fourth most efficient team in the league with 1.44 goals per game, and only last-place Sibenik have conceded more goals. Lokomotiva's injured footballers Robert Mudrazija and Dusan Vukovic definitely dropped out for Saturday's match with Dinamo, so coach Silvijo Cabraja will have to find new solutions in the attack and midfield of the team from Kajzerica. Injuries handicapped Lokos ahead of the city derby, and the good news for Lokomotiva is that Art Smakaj and Marko Pajac have recovered, so the two will certainly be in the lineup that Cabraja will face the Blues. Although central defender Leonardo Sigali complained of knee pain during training on Thursday, the reliable Argentine should play on Saturday at Maksimir.

Expert Betting Tips

As I expected, the bookmakers see Dinamo as clear favorites in the match against Lokomotiva, despite losing the last time they played each other. I, on the other hand, believe that it will not be easy for the hosts to achieve victory this time either. Both teams have defensive problems, so I expect goals at Maksimir on both sides. That's why my betting tips start by recommending a bet on both teams to score. Only one of their last five matches ended with less than three goals scored, so I expect to see an interesting derby in Zagreb with many goals.

Our prediction for the match is BTTS for the odds of 1.83 at Bet365.

Our second prediction is W1 and over 2.5 goals for odds of 1.93 at Betway.

Our third prediction is W1 and BTTS for odds of 3 at 1xbet.