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We have a relegation derby here today in the romanian first league.
Chiajna relegated last season and did not start this season in the Liga 1 but what happened was incredible. One week before the start of the league the Romanian federation set up a circus playoff game between Rapid (relegated due to financial reasons) and Chiajna (relegated by position). Rapid won in extra time and started the season in Liga 1, but Chiajna won a decision at TAS (the Tribunal Arbitral du Sport) and they had to be accepted in Liga 1 instead of Rapid. They did not play the first three rounds.
Chiajna was preparing for the second league, but with this shocking decision they played their first game in Liga 1 in the 4th round, last week. They won 1-0 at home against Corona, but totally unimpressive. They were outplayed, won from a dubious penalty, and Corona is by far the weakest team in Liga 1. Chiajna was obviously not prepared, and with them being a poor team anyway (they have a squad made for Liga 2), they should have big problems in the first half of the season. For sure Chiajna is one of the big favorites for relegation this year
U Cluj also relegated last season, but due to financial difficulties. Like Chiajna, they won a decision at TAS and had to be allowed in the first league, but that was just after the last season finished, so they had time to prepare and build the squad. Cluj is not a great team, they will also fight to avoid relegation, but they should achieve their objective. Quality wise they are better than Chiajna. In the winter of 2013 Cluj appointed former Stuttgart, Wolverhampton and Romania striker, Ionel Ganea as coach. The team played brilliant under Ganea as they were one of the best teams in the league in the second part of the season. This season they didn`t play as good, gaining just 1 point from 4 rounds, but they had a really tough draw, playing title hopefuls Petrolul and Astra, in-form Ceahlaul and 2011 champions Otelul. This is a huge game for them, as they will again have a hard match-up against Dinamo Bucharest next week.
“U” made some interesting transfers this week, bringing 3 new-faces, including former Steaua Bucharest centre-back Abrudan. These players are set to increase the quality and depth of the team. Despite the slow start, Cluj will have an easier draw from now on and they really seem to have what it takes to avoid relegation.
Last year, Cluj won the home game 1-0. For today they miss some players, but nothing major. Chiajna also has some small squad trouble, so team news are not relevant for this match.
U Cluj is a strong home team (well-supported club) and they should win this game. They are better than Chiajna, better prepared, and are hugely motivated to gain some points in the easiest game they had so far in the league. With a great coach in Ionel Ganea, I have confidence they will be up for the challenge and not blow this chance. Everything points to a Cluj victory and odds are great.
My call would be something like 1-0 or 2-0 for the home team.
Pick: U Cluj
Odds: 2.38 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 11.04
Event date: 19 August
