U Cluj – CFR Cluj

Universitatea Cluj will host rivals CFR in one of the biggest local derbies in Romania, always an extremely tense game with a great atmosphere but also violence. Unfortunately for Universitatea fans, the rivalry has been hugely one-sided in the last decade, with CFR winning most of the direct meetings. “U” did not win the derby in 41 years and this one is the bet of the week for me.

The visitors are the most successful team in Romania over the last years, winning titles, cups and playing Champions League football. Last year they finished 3rd in an UCL group with Manchester United, Galatasaray and Braga, gaining 10 points and winning on Old Trafford! CFR made some investments over the summer break after a bad domestic season last year but they started the league rather poor, with just 8 points in 6 games. They changed the manager recently, bringing in highly-rated Petre Grigoras and they are expected to start winning games on a regular basis. CFR has 1 win and 1 loss under Grigoras, losing against strong Steaua Bucharest in his first match at the helm. After a 3 week league break, surely the visiting side had time to jell and adapt to the new manager`s playing style. Quality is there, so they are set to do well in the league from now on.

CFR has an almost full sqad to choose from for today`s derby.

U Cluj had a good second part of the season last year, but this season they have been the worst team in the league until now. Universitatea is on the last place with only 1 point in 6 rounds and they are coming after two horrible defeats, 0-3 at home vs. Chiajna and 0-6 away vs. Dinamo. There are big financial problems at the club, some players have been fired, some are not paid, the manager is under pressure. The team is decimated for this game with 8 players leaving the club. Atmosphere in the locker room is abysmal and that is one reason for the horrific performances. The other one is the low quality of the squad, Universitatea boosting a roster with weak players since they can`t afford to pay at an average Liga 1 salary. “U” seems doomed to relegated this season.

Universitatea is by far the better supported team in town, and playing at home they will count on the fans being on their side, but the way the team has been playing there won`t be a very electric atmosphere. CFR has tremendous experience and it won`t be a problem for them to play with the stands against them, they won almost all the away games against “U” in the last years. Derbies are usually unpredictable because the underdogs are highly motivated, but with the financial trouble and ownership abuses it is expected that the hosts will not be so enthusiastic for this one.

“U” does not seem likely to win points against anybody at the moment, let alone a strong and quality team like CFR. Expect the visitors to put pressure from the start and easily break down the hosts` pathetic defense. There could be a few goals here and CFR should win by more than 1 against this weaker and troubled Universitatea side.

Pick: CFR Cluj (-1 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.99 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 9.90
Event date: 15 September

Editor Facts

• Ocean is 7 for 8 in September