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Astra Giurgiu takes on FC Viitorul Constanta in the Romanian Liga 1, but their focus will be directed towards the reverse Europa League leg with West Ham.
Astra is coming after a fantastic comeback at Upton Park, getting a 2-2 draw after falling down 2-0. Sure, the Romanians had a lot of luck to get that result, but it was impressive either way. Astra is one of the best teams in the country, they have a good squad this season, probably second best after Steaua if we talk about individuals. But they are very inconsistent and haven`t played well at all this season, gaining just 4 points in 3 rounds and losing 1-5 at home with ASA Targu Mures.
Right now everybody at Astra is talking about the reverse leg with West Ham and coach Sumudica said that his players aren`t used to playing every 3 days. Astra played another European Leg before West Ham, 1-0 aggregate with Inverness, so they saw a lot of football lately. Sumudica stated that “I will rest half of the team” against Viitorul.
The visitors are on the back of a 1-1 draw with Dinamo, a match in which they played well and probably deserved to win. Viitorul (owned and coached by former Romanian great, Gheorghe Hagi) is undefeated in the first three rounds of the Romanian Liga 1, but didn`t win either – all games ended in draws. This is a good side with young, hungry players but also experienced veterans and they have good chances to finish in the Top 6 to reach the Liga 1 playoffs.
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Team news & lineups:
Astra has a full squad available with the exception of main striker Alibec (long term injury), but most key players will be rested today. First team regulars Taru and Hodorogea are unavailable for Viitorul, while one of the main strikers from last season, Bonilla, left the club.
Astra Giurgiu: S. Lung jr. – Oros, Dandea, Ricardo Alves, Júnior Morais – Al. Ioniţă II, Lovin – Al. Stan, Filipe Teixeira, De Amorim – D. Florea
FC Viitorul: Buzbuchi – Ciupe, Cr. Munteanu, Mitrea, Cr. Ganea – R. Marin (Benzar), I. Filip, Aganović – I. Hagi, Cernat, Fl. Tănase
The Romanian league is a tight one, difference in quality is not too big between football teams and Astra would have a hard time defeating Viitorul even with the best lineup – after all, Viitorul did win on this ground last season against the Giurgiu side.
Value is clearly on FC Viitorul here and it would actually be a surprise if a weakened and tired Astra Giurgiu team will win this game between the Europa League West Ham matches. Viitorul is a solid side, they know Astra`s problems and stated that they want the win. I believe they will at least get a draw result, so all in all my tip here is Viitorul x2 double chance with high stakes. Prediction: Astra Giurgiu – Viitorul Constanta 1-2.
Pick: X2
Odds: 2.15 @ Bet365
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 9.20
Event date: 2 August
