HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Lokomotiva Zagreb Prediction and value tip

While Hajduk Split are the clear favorites, the HNK Hajduk Split vs NK Lokomotiva Zagreb prediction offers value in the total goals market. Hajduk has scored 2+ goals in 67% of their recent meetings with Lokomotiva, and both sides are currently missing defensive stalwarts. Given Hajduk's need to respond after the Dinamo loss and Lokomotiva's poor away form, a home victory coupled with goals is the most logical outcome.

Match Preview & Form Guide

As the HNL title race enters its final stretch, HNK Hajduk Split welcomes NK Lokomotiva Zagreb to Stadion Poljud on March 15, 2026. Currently sitting 2nd in the standings with 47 points, Gennaro Gattuso’s men are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-3 home defeat against league leaders Dinamo Zagreb. Before that slip-up, the Bili were on a strong run, recording three consecutive wins against Osijek, Rijeka, and Slaven Belupo. However, injuries are mounting for Gattuso; key goalkeeper Ivica Ivusic remains sidelined with a pubic bone inflammation, and Niko Sigur is suspended.

For NK Lokomotiva Zagreb, the 2025/2026 season under Nikica Jelavic has been a struggle for consistency. Occupying 7th place, the Lokosi have found points hard to come by on the road, suffering four defeats in their last six away fixtures. Their recent 1-1 draw with Varazdin showcased their defensive resilience but also highlighted a lack of clinical finishing. The absence of Dusan Vukovic due to yellow card accumulation is a significant blow to their attacking fluidity, while veteran Leonardo Sigali remains in the treatment room.

Tactical Analysis & Key Battles

Tactically, this is a clash of ideologies. Gennaro Gattuso has instilled a high-intensity, aggressive pressing style at Hajduk. With Hugo Guillamon anchoring the midfield and the recent addition of Dario Maresic bolstering the backline, Split will look to dominate possession and exploit the wings. The key battle will feature Hajduk's top scorer Michele Sego against Lokomotiva’s low block. Sego’s movement in the box has been lethal this season, and without Diop in the center of defense, Lokomotiva may struggle to track his runs.

Lokomotiva, under Jelavic, often utilizes a 3-4-3 formation that relies heavily on Aleks Stojakovic to provide sparks on the counter-attack. Since Ivan Rakitic retired in July 2025, Hajduk’s midfield transition has been faster but occasionally more vulnerable to direct vertical balls. Lokomotiva will aim to sit deep and catch Hajduk’s high line out of position, specifically targeting the space left by the marauding full-backs.