Lokomotiva Zagreb vs Istra 1961 Prediction: New season, new ambitions for both teams

Lokomotiva Zagreb enters the new season with big ambitions and it seems that they are ready for new challenges after the European tour. In the first round of the new HNL season, Istra will arrive in the capital. Lokomotiva Zagreb are a clear favorite in this game, even bigger than the odds show. Istra have won against Lokomotiva only once in the last 10 games and this will be another difficult visit for them.

Form: LWLWL

Lokomotiva Zagreb had a rather disappointing season after falling into the bottom half of the table in the last few months of the season. Lokomotiva were very active in the preparatory period in which they played against several European teams. In the last three games against Belgian teams, Lokomotiva were defeated by Charleroi and Anderlecht, while they defeated Gent. Before that, they won against AEK and Domzale, while they were defeated in matches against Celje and Zrinski.

Form: WLDDW

Istra comes after an average season and it seems that the quality with which they enter the new competition season will not take them much further. Istra won two out of five friendly matches, both times against Koper, they drew 1-1 against Napredek and Rogaska, while they were defeated in a duel against Orient in 1919.

Lokomotiva had an active preparation period and showed exceptional potential against strong teams, unlike Istra that did not shine against teams from the region. Lokomotiva have been a better opponent in the last couple of seasons, and Istra have not defeated the Zagreb’s team since 2021. In 7 of the last 10 games between Lokomotiva and Istra, both teams scored at least one goal each and it can be expected that this will be another efficient match. The fact is that Lokomotiva are the better team, so it is best to play for their victory with at least two goals scored.