Viitorul – Botosani

Viitorul will have the chance to finish the first part of Romania’s football season on the first place, as they host Botosani in the last match to be played in Liga 1 before the Winter Break.

The hosts are 1 point behind the first place and a win today would see them spend the Winter break on the first place. The hosts are an interesting team, led by former Romania legend Gheorghe Hagi (coach, manager and owner), relying mostly on youngsters from their own academy. It is an unique healthy philosophy in the poor Romanian football. As a result, Viitowul was the best team so far this season, playing the best football – not good football, but the best in Romania. Viitorul won their last 5 matches in all competitions, allowing a single goal.

Botosani is a team of streaks. It was the case last season and it is happening again this season. The visitors started off briliantly and looked certain to finish the regular season Top 6 and qualify for the playoffs. However, things went downhill and now Botosani can`t buy a win. The visitors are 9th in the standings and claimed only 2 points in the last 6 rounds! They scored a single goal in these 6 matches, in a 1-3 home defeat against Iasi last round.

Team news: Ramniceanu and Radoi are suspended for Viitorul, while FC Botosani will not be able to count on Miron, Golofca and key playmaker Vasvari.

Botosani is in complete crisis right now and, as previously said, this is not new for them. They are alternating series of wins with long series of pathetic performances. I doubt they will get out of this slump in the last match of the year, against the most in form team in the division. That would not make much sense.

Viitorul is clearly the better team here and the hosts are in incomparably better form. The matchup between their defense and Botosani’s offense should also help Viitorul – they allowed 1 goal in the last 5 matches, while Botosani scored 1 goal in the last 6 matches.

I can see the home side claiming the 3 points here and there is a good chance for them to keep a clean sheet as well (1-0 or 2-0 would be my call). My tip is Viitorul to win, but a braver punter might want to bet on Viitorul to win to nil. Odds are dropping big time on the home win bet. Prediction: Viitorul – FC Botosani 2-0.

Pick: Viitorul
Odds: 1.67 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 5.36
Event date: 19 December