CSU Craiova – Botosani

The first round of the Romanian Liga 1 football season will see CSU Craiova take on FC Botosani at Extensiv Stadium, which is not Craiova’s main arena, but they will play here until their new stadium is finished.

CSU Craiova is a good side in Romania, one of the few teams that doesn`t have massive financial problems and they finished 5th last year in their first season in Liga 1. The main characteristic of Craiova right now is their chemistry – the club only brought in two players in the off season and kept the same coaching staff. They are basically the same team as last year, with an extra class player in Popov (ex CSKA Sofia), but losing another one: Brandan. The coach stated that training has been good and highlighted the fact that there`s very good cohesion in the squad.

As opposed to Craiova, Botosani (8th place last season) made a whole lot of moves in the summer, selling and buying close to 30 players in total. Their coach addressed the issue of lack of chemistry two weeks ago, saying that they are not yet ready for the new season – though right now he`s saying he wants to win this game. The visitors played an Europa League tie over the last 10 days, defeating Tskhinvali from Georgia 4-2 aggregate (1-1 home, 3-1 away). They played in Georgia on Thursday, so they had to travel back to Romania and this is really something unusual for Botosani, who never played European football before and doesn`t have too many players with European experience. Additionally, they have to travel to Poland to play Legia Warsaw next week.

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Team news & lineups:

Both teams are healthy ahead of this clash, 1-2 knocks here and there, nothing more than that.

CSU Craiova: Bălgrădean – Achim, Popov, Acka, Vătăjelu – Băluţă, Mateiu, Madson, Târnăcop – Nuno Rocha, Bawab

FC Botoşani: Iliev – Dimitrov, Cordoş, Plămadă, Browne – Cucu, Vaşvari, Costin – Martinus, Roman, Ivanovici

There seem to be four main factors here which give a bet on CSU Craiova to win good value.

• the matchup between Craiova’s chemistry and Botosani’s lack of chemistry
• the fact that Botosani comes after a long travel from Georgia and has to play in Poland next week
• the fact that Craiova is strong at home while Botosani is not that great on the road
• the slight quality difference in favor of the hosts

It`s really the best moment for CSU Craiova to meet Botosani and I reckon they should be able to start off with a home win. There is the downside that both teams are relying a lot on defensive football, so there`s always the risk of a boring draw. Also, Botosani has the edge of playing 2 competitive matches already. But with all the circumstancial advantages that the hosts have ahead of this encounter, I am confortable with my tip – CSU Craiova to win. Prediction: CSU Craiova – FC Botosani 1-0.

Pick: CSU Craiova
Odds: 2.01 @ Sbobet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 7.07
Event date: 12 July