Universitatea Craiova vs CFR 1907 Cluj
Match Information
Match Preview
<html> <head><title>Universitatea Craiova vs CFR 1907 Cluj – Match Preview, Odds and Betting Analysis</title></head> <body> <h2>Universitatea Craiova vs CFR 1907 Cluj</h2> <h3>Context and Stakes</h3> <p>Round 19 at Stadionul Ion Oblemenco brings a rare role reversal: Craiova stable in 4th, CFR languishing in 12th. The setting is friendly to the hosts—home form has been a pillar of their campaign—while CFR arrive under pressure after a volatile first half of the season. The market makes Craiova slight favorites at 2.10 ML, with 3.20 the Draw and 3.30 CFR.</p> <h3>Form and Venue Dynamics</h3> <p>Craiova’s home profile is high end: 2.22 points per game, 2.00 goals scored and 1.00 conceded on average. They’ve scored 2+ in 7 of 9 home fixtures. CFR, by contrast, average just 0.78 PPG away and concede 1.78 per game on their travels. The supercharged atmosphere in Craiova typically boosts attacking output and fast, vertical transitions down the flanks—especially with Nicușor Bancu’s overlaps and Alexandru Mitriță’s creativity between the lines.</p> <h3>Tactical Matchups</h3> <p>Both managers have favored a 4-3-3 recently. For Craiova, the plan is predictable but effective: dynamic width, Mitriță as the free connector, and a midfield trio that secures rest defense. CFR’s 4-3-3 has attacking quality—Béni Nkololo, Lindon Emërllahu and Louis Munteanu/Postolachi can threaten on the break—but the away back four has struggled under sustained pressure and second-phase defending around the box.</p> <h3>Goal Timing and Late-Swing Risk</h3> <p>Numbers scream “late goals.” Craiova have 6 goals at home between minutes 76–90. CFR have conceded 5 in the same late window away and own a lead-defending rate of just 17% on the road. Even if CFR score first (which they have done in 56% of away matches), the data suggests they’re unlikely to keep Craiova out for 90 minutes.</p> <h3>Key Players</h3> <p><strong>Alexandru Mitriță</strong> is the headline act for Craiova; his brace settled the last high-scoring clash (2–2) between these sides in Craiova. Captain <strong>Nicușor Bancu</strong> and the Crețu/Oshima axis should tilt territory and set-piece volume toward the hosts. For CFR, <strong>Andrei Cordea</strong> has been productive (5 league goals), <strong>Emërllahu</strong> creates at volume, and <strong>Munteanu</strong> leads in shots on target per match. CFR have match-winners—but the collective away structure has lagged behind the individual talent.</p> <h3>Injuries and Selection Notes</h3> <p>Craiova have doubts around <strong>Vladimir Screciu</strong> and <strong>Carlos Mora</strong>. If Mora misses, expect <strong>Ștefan Baiaram</strong> to start wide. CFR do not list major new absences and should be close to full strength, with rotation likely among the front three and full-backs.</p> <h3>Market Reading and Value</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Craiova DNB (1.53)</strong>: Safer than the ML, leveraging a strong home base and CFR’s poor away lead management.</li> <li><strong>BTTS Yes (1.80)</strong>: Both sides hit 67% BTTS in these venue splits; last head-to-head finished 2–2.</li> <li><strong>Craiova Over 1.5 Team Goals (2.25)</strong>: Hosts have cleared this in 7/9 home games; CFR’s away GA of 1.78 is inviting.</li> <li><strong>Over 2.5 Goals (2.10)</strong>: Craiova home Over 2.5 at 67% combined with CFR away Over 2.5 at 56% offers margin.</li> <li><em>Alt-value</em>: <strong>Second Half Over 1.5 (2.25)</strong> aligns with the late-goal pattern and CFR’s inability to close games.</li> </ul> <h3>Forecast</h3> <p>With a good surface and decent December conditions (cold but dry), this should be a high-intensity, territorial match tilted toward Craiova. The Oracle expects the hosts to create consistent pressure, CFR to offer moments in transition, and the game to open up after the hour. Scoreline leaning: <strong>2–1 Craiova</strong>, with late insurance more likely than an early knockout.</p> <h3>The Oracle’s Verdict</h3> <p>Craiova on Draw No Bet is the core position. Add BTTS and a measured stake on Craiova Over 1.5. For those seeking an extra angle, late-goal markets (2nd half Over 1.5) are live given the teams’ 76–90 trends and CFR’s fragile lead protection.</p> </body> </html>
Betting Odds
Odds are currently unavailable.
Odds are provided for informational purposes. Please gamble responsibly.
AI Analysis & Predictions
Get comprehensive AI-powered analysis for this match with our advanced prediction models. Our AI considers team form, head-to-head records, player statistics, and real-time data to provide accurate insights.
- Real-time match predictions
- In-depth statistical analysis
- Live odds monitoring
- Expert betting insights