- NK Lokomotiva Zagreb have won their last 3 matches, 3 of their last 5 and are unbeaten in the last two head-to-head meetings with NK Osijek.
- Osijek have won 2 of their last 5 games, drawn 1 and lost 2.
- Osijek have won just 3 of their 15 home games in HNL 2025/2026 (D6, L6).
Lokomotiva are rolling, Osijek are not
5th-placed NK Lokomotiva Zagreb have had a much better season than 9th-placed NK Osijek to date in HNL 2025/2026, accumulating 40 points from 31 matches, compared to their hosts’ 31 points. However, the latest NK Osijek vs NK Lokomotiva Zagreb prediction highlights that Lokomotiva’s excellent run of 3 consecutive wins and 3 wins in the last 5 matches, which has propelled them up the table, should make all the difference in their favour for Saturday’s game at Gradski Vrt.
Since taking over in July 2025, Nikica Jelavic has instilled a level of tactical discipline and flexibility upon Lokomotiva that is rare in Croatian football. Playing a compact, pragmatic 4-3-3 formation, the visitors have been tough to play through in recent weeks, particularly in the middle of the pitch. Jelavic’s side are adept at hitting teams on the break or with set pieces, while Blaz Boskovic has stepped up a gear to chip in with 2 goals in Lokomotiva’s last 5 matches.
Their latest 2 wins - away to high-flying HNK Gorica (0-2) and at home to Slaven (2-1) - indicate that they are capable of going to Osijek and getting a positive result, despite the hosts’ recent revival under Tomislav Radotic. Since taking over in February 2026, Radotic has favoured a more aggressive, high-pressing style of play, with his side favouring vertical, transitional play rather than possession. This NK Osijek vs NK Lokomotiva Zagreb preview shows that Osijek are quick and effective in wide areas and can shuffle between 4-1-4-1 and 4-2-3-1 formations, although they have struggled to be productive in attack at home this season, scoring just 10 goals in 15 fixtures.
Lokomotiva have momentum and a good recent record
Osijek have had some brilliant results since the turn of the year, including away wins over Rijeka (0-2) and Hajduk Split (0-1), but their recent 0-2 home defeat to mid-table NK Varazdin and overall home record of 3 wins in 15 games, makes it hard to fancy them here.
With Lokomotiva coming off 3 straight wins, a draw and a win on their most recent two away trips, and an unbeaten record in the last 2 head-to-heads, our NK Osijek vs NK Lokomotiva Zagreb prediction is supporting an away win at a decent return of 3.21.
Furthermore, for those seeking NK Osijek vs NK Lokomotiva Zagreb betting tips, the momentum clearly favours Lokomotiva, given the contrasting recent form of the two sides.
Osijek’s main goal threat is Nail Omerovic, having the most of any Osijek player in HNL 2025/2026 with 8 in 30 matches, while Lokomotiva have Aleks Stojakovic, who also has 8 in 30 matches.
