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CSMS Iasi and Universitatea Cluj will close the 23rd round of the Romanian Liga 1 with a matchup with massive implications in the relegation zone.
Iasi (12th place) was bottom of the table for a long time in the first part of the season, but, strangely, they are the most in form team since the league re-started after the winter break. The hosts won their first 4 matches in 2015 before finally being held to a draw last round by Otelul. Iasi did not allow a single goal in the 5 matches played this year and this has been the main reason for their success – a very organized and disciplined side, no talent, but good tactical consistency.
Universitatea Cluj (15th place) fired coach Ogararu a few weeks ago, but their fortunes did not improve. Cluj is still winless in 2015 (3 draws, 3 losses) and their level of football is really low, especially on the offensive side of the game – the visitors did not score a goal in the 6 matches played this year. Cluj’s coach, Falub, seemed to have absolutely zero belief at the press conference, saying that “we will try get something from the game and to play decent football, but it will be extremely hard”.
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Team news and lineups:
CSMS Iasi only misses Olah, while Cluj will have to do without Zijler, Martins, Ceppelini and probably Bambara.
CSMS Iaşi: Grahovac – I. Voicu, Mihalache, Plămadă, Ţigănaşu – Mitić, Enescu – Bădic, Onduku, Ciucur – Golubović
“U” Cluj: Panagopoulos – Ciupe, Škvorc, Neag, Jovanović – R. Costin, A. Lungu – Nuno Viveiros, Gravenberch, Mengolo – Lemnaru
Obviously there is a very interesting contradiction between the fact that Iasi did not concede a goal in 2015, while Cluj did not score a goal in 2015. The logical conclusion is that Cluj will not score today and that`s not just based on statistics, it`s looking at the way they play. With some new players in the team they lack chemistry up front, they do not have cohesion, which will fall right into Iasi’ side – a tactically sound team with an excellent defense.
Building on the above analysis and statistics there are obviously a number of bets we can take here. I feel the best option is Both teams to score – NO, because of better odds than the under. Iasi should win, but I am not so confident – after all they are a poor team and their form will not last forever. Two very defensive minded clubs, absolute key match, it should be a tense and boring afair. Prediction: CSMS Iasi – Universitatea Cluj 1-0.
Pick: Both to score – No
Odds: 1.65 @ Bwin
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 5.85
Event date: 23 March
