Steaua – Dinamo

The biggest rivalry in Romanian football will see league leaders Steaua take on Dinamo at Ghencea Stadium in the “Eternal Derby”. The hosts are heavily favored by the odds, as they should be, but such a big match can always take a turn towards the unexpected.

Steaua is in a really good spot to win the title after 20 rounds, having 3 points ahead of Astra Giurgiu and one game in hand. Steaua is yet to lose this season (14-6-0) and the hosts also have the best team in the Liga 1 quality wise. At home they have 8 wins and 1 dra in 9 games. Steaua is in good form and showed very good football in their 3 matches played in 2014, beating Chiajna (twice) and U Cluj with an aggregate scoreline of 10-1. Indeed, the opponents were very poor, but still the results were solid. In the winter break Steaua sold its captain Bourceanu to Trabzonspor, but brought in two quality players (Keseru and Sanmartean).

Dinamo is Steaua`s biggest rival but the Red Dogs are curently on a 6 game losing streak against their bitter rivals, the last defeat coming in August 2013, 1-2 at home. After some financial problems Dinamo changed ownership last year and is currently in rebuilding mode. The squad is of decent quality, but surely weaker than Steaua`s. Dinamo is currently on the 5th place (9 wins, 5 draws, 6 losses) and is hugely motivated to do well in this derby. After finishing 2013 in great form, Dinamo lost its first match in 2014 last week, a shock 2-1 defeat at home to poor Viitorul after leading 1-0 for most of the game.

Bet with the best odds and highest limits at Pinnacle.

Team news & lineups

There are no big injuries or suspensions for either side. Dinamo will continue to miss regular center-back Durimel but he`s a long term concern. Winger Lazar is out as well.

Steaua: Tatarusanu – Varela, Szukala, Gardos, Latovlevici – Stanciu, Pintilii – Tanase, Sanmartean, Popa – Chipciu

Dinamo: Balgradean – Rus, Grigore, Thicot, Filip – Boubacar, Elton – Matei, Serban, Rotariu – Tucudean

Dinamo has played very pragmatic football under head coach Stoican and the defense is the key asset for the Red Dogs, but this game could be a little different. Steaua is expected to be all over Dinamo and score a few goals as they would like to get a big win, while the visitors are sure to have a couple of chances on counterattacks as well. In Steaua`s 6 game winning streak against Dinamo, when the quality difference and the circumstances were the same as today, 5 times there were over 2,5 goals scored and Steaua scored at least 2 goals in all 6 matches. This could happen again today, and the odds are just too good to pass. My tip is over 2,5 goals. Prediction: Steaua – Dinamo 2-1.

Pick: over 2,5 goals
Odds: 2.13 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 7.91
Event date: 1 March