Lok. Zagreb vs Gorica Prediction

Lok. Zagreb vs Gorica prediction: tight game at Maksimir

Lok. Zagreb vs Gorica prediction time is here, and it lands on 2026-02-06 at 17:00 GMT at Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb. Lokomotiva are still using Maksimir as a temporary home, and that matters: it can feel familiar, but it does not always bring the same “home boost” you expect, which is something Gorica have been happy to exploit before.

In the table this one is basically neighbors talking over the fence. Lokomotiva sit 7th with 23 points, while Gorica are 8th on 22. Lokomotiva’s recent run (D-W-W-L-W) is decent, but there’s a catch: Gorica have been a real problem for them this season, winning both previous meetings by a combined 7–2. The most recent head to head on 2025-08-16 ended Lokomotiva 1–3 Gorica, a reminder that “form” can look very different when a specific opponent shows up.

Teams, tactics, and what to watch

Nikica Jelavić’s Lokomotiva project leans into energy: press early, transition fast, and let young wide players drive the tempo. That approach often produces good spells, but it also leaves space if the counter-press is late by half a second. Gorica, under Mario Carević (recently extended through 2026/27), are usually more patient and compact in a 4-2-3-1, waiting for moments rather than forcing them.

• Lokomotiva key man: Aleks Stojaković leads their league scoring with 6 goals, and he is often the difference between possession and real threat.
• Experience at the back: Marko Vešović and Leonardo Sigali add calm, especially if Lokomotiva need to protect transitions better than in the earlier H2Hs.
• Suspension watch: Blaž Bošković and Cheikh Mbacke Diop are one yellow away from a ban, which can influence how aggressively they tackle.
• Gorica’s spine: captain Jurica Pršir remains the creative hub, though he’s been managing minor fitness issues.
• New faces: Wisdom Aondowase Sule is expected to lead the line, while goalkeeper Muhamed Šahinović has already helped with a big clean sheet.

Injuries tilt the depth charts too. Lokomotiva are without Marcel Lorber (long-term) and Marko Pajač (ACL recovery). Gorica list Domagoj Pavičić, Luka Vrzić, and Zan Trontelj as unavailable, with Ognjen Bakić doubtful (muscle strain).

Confidence is not an issue on either side: Lokomotiva shocked Dinamo 2–1 on 2025-10-05 at huge odds (7.73), and Gorica also stunned Dinamo away (1–2) on 2025-09-14 at 13.0. Both teams know how to be stubborn when the script says otherwise.

Lok. Zagreb vs Gorica prediction and NerdyTips betting tips

The market makes Lokomotiva slight favorites (Home 2.2, Draw 3.35, Away 3.55), which fits the idea of them having more of the ball at Maksimir. Our model expects 62% possession for Lokomotiva and 38% for Gorica, with shots projected at 11–8 and on-target 4–3. Corners are estimated at 8 total (5–3), and cards at 3 total (2–1). That paints a picture of Lokomotiva controlling territory, while Gorica stay close enough to bite on the break.

Best bet: keep it simple on goals

NerdyTips’ AI points to Under 3.5 goals as the top play (odds 1.3, trust 5.0/10). Statistically, it’s the cleanest match between the expected flow and the likely outcome: moderate shot volume, limited on-target numbers, and two coaches talking openly about structure and not giving away “easy goals.”

• Best under/over: Under 3.5 goals (1.3), trust 5.0/10
• 1X2 pick: Draw (X) at 3.35, trust 2.0/10
• Correct score lean: 0–0 (HT 0–0)

The 0–0 prediction might sound a bit too neat after those wild Gorica wins earlier in the season, but it actually fits the likely adjustment: Lokomotiva have reportedly drilled defensive transitions all week, and Gorica’s recent uptick included a tight 1–0 over Hajduk. So, for this Lok. Zagreb vs Gorica prediction, the value is not in guessing a fireworks display—it’s in respecting a match that could be decided by one mistake, or none at all.