NK Lokomotiva Zagreb vs Vukovar Prediction - 24th January 2026

The HNL returns from its winter break with a crucial relegation six-pointer as 8th-placed NK Lokomotiva Zagreb host 9th-placed Vukovar. With just four points separating the sides, this fixture carries significant weight at the bottom of the table. The data paints a clear picture: expect goals and both nets to ripple. Lokomotiva Zagreb's form has been patchy, managing just two wins in their last ten matches across all competitions. Their 4-2 friendly victory over NK Slaven Belupo showed attacking promise, but league defeats to Dinamo Zagreb (0-2) and Hajduk Split (1-3) highlighted defensive frailties. At home, they've been draw specialists, with a 50% draw rate from their last six outings at their own ground, scoring a modest 1.00 goals per game but conceding 1.33. The underlying stats, however, suggest they control games, averaging 57.7% possession and 4.67 shots on target per match. Their main issue is converting dominance into wins. Vukovar presents a classic case of Jekyll and Hyde. At home, they're a force, winning 60% of their last five with 2.40 goals scored per game. On the road, it's a different story: zero wins in their last five away trips, conceding a worrying 2.40 goals per game. Their recent 2-2 friendly draw with Slaven Belupo and 3-0 win over Primorje in preparation show they can find the net, but their league away record is a major concern. They were beaten 3-1 by HNK Rijeka and 4-1 by Slaven Belupo on their travels, demonstrating a soft underbelly when not on home soil. The head-to-head record favours Lokomotiva, who are unbeaten in three meetings (two wins, one draw). Their sole home encounter against Vukovar ended in a victory. However, the most recent clash in October 2025 finished 1-1, indicating Vukovar's ability to get a result. **Key Points:** * **Away Day Blues:** Vukovar have failed to win any of their last five away matches, conceding 2.40 goals per game on average. * **BTTS Machine:** Both teams have scored in 80% of Lokomotiva's last ten games and 70% of Vukovar's. * **Possession Dominance:** Lokomotiva averages 57.7% possession and 11.83 shots per game, suggesting they will create chances. * **Relegation Pressure:** With only four points between them, neither side can afford a passive approach, which should lead to an open game. * **Friendly Fire:** Both teams have been involved in high-scoring friendlies (Lokomotiva winning 4-2, Vukovar drawing 2-2), pointing to pre-season attacking intent. **Summary & Betting Verdict:** All signs point towards a match where both teams score. Lokomotiva, despite their low home win rate, should create enough against Vukovar's porous away defence (2.40 goals conceded per game). Conversely, Vukovar scores a respectable 1.20 goals per away game and will fancy their chances against a Lokomotiva backline that has kept just one clean sheet in ten. The odds of 1.73 for Both Teams to Score - Yes offer significant value against a probability we assess as closer to 68%. This is the clear value bet in a game that promises goals at both ends.