Betdistrict.com
Relegation strugglers Viitorul Constanta and 6th placed Petrolul Ploiesti square off today in Chiajna (Viitorul play their home matches 300km away from Constanta) – 9th round in Liga 1, Romania.
Viitorul is without a doubt one of the weakest teams in the Romanian Liga 1, they are on the 16th place with a measly 6 points in 8 matches, at the same time losing 3-1 last round to Gaz Metan Medias. They did win midweek 3-0 in the cup, but against a team from an inferior league. Recently ex football great Hagi (who owns the club) stepped in as some kind of football director, but even so there is little hope for this team to avoid relegation.
Petrolul was expected to mount a title challenge this season, but things went downhill very fast. Financed by public money, it seems that Petrolul is on the brink of a slow destruction – they lost their best player Mutu last week, also lost key midfielder Hoban and manager Lucescu. The latter was replaced by experienced Gheorghe Multescu, a mid-level manager in Romania. Even in these conditions and without Mutu and Lucescu, Petrolul managed to play a very good game against Steaua last round, barely losing 3-2 and showcasing good football.
 |
Bet with the best odds and highest limits at Pinnacle. |
Lineups:
Viitorul: Buzbuchi – Nikolov, Mamele, Daminuta, Mitrea – Pana, Nedelcu, Benzar – Neacsa, Tanase, Mitrita
Petrolul: Pecanha – Alcenat, Geraldo, Satli, Fanchone – Marinescu, De Lucas – Priso, Nepomuceno, Teixeira – Tamuz
Petrolul might be heading in a wrong direction, but at least for a couple of months they will still have one of the best rosters in Romania, probably the second best after Steaua. Multescu is known to have a quick impact on his clubs and start strong, Petrolul already played great football against Steaua and I expect them to continue in the same manner today, which would be more than enough to get the 3 points. Viitorul poses little offensive threat, they will try to get a 0-0 draw here but Petrolul has enough firepower to break them down. Big quality difference and these odds are just pure value, being artificially increased by Petrolul`s current uncertainty. Yes, the hosts can produce some upsets once in a while (beat Petrolul last year), but those are a fluke and hopefully this will not be one of the very few times it happens. My tip is Petrolul to win. Prediction: Viitorul Constanta – Petrolul Ploiesti 0-2.
Pick: Petrolul
Odds: 1.95 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.6
Event date: 28 September
