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Match Prediction

CFR Cluj vs Craiova Prediction

Finished
Romania flag Romania
Liga I

CFR Cluj

€31.00m

3 Aug14:30
2 : 3

Craiova

€22.77m

Preview

CFR Cluj vs Craiova Prediction Liga I

CFR Cluj vs Craiova Prediction: Tactical Battle and Betting Tips

Welcome to our CFR Cluj vs Craiova prediction for the much-anticipated Liga I fixture on August 3, 2.3, at 19:30 GMT. If you’re looking for expert football insights, tactical analysis, and clever betting tips, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a stats enthusiast or just want to impress your friends with some nerdy football knowledge, let’s break down everything you need to know ahead of this exciting encounter.

Head to Head, Recent Form, and Tactical Setups

The rivalry between CFR Cluj and Universitatea Craiova has always delivered drama, with both sides boasting passionate fanbases and a knack for cagey encounters. Here’s what you need to know before placing your bets:

  • Head to head: In their last five meetings, Cluj have come out on top three times, Craiova once, with one draw. The average number of goals in these games is 2.4—so don’t expect fireworks, but don’t bet on a snoozefest, either.
  • Last season, both matches ended 0-2, each side winning away from home. If you’re superstitious, maybe skip home advantage in your calculations!
  • Craiova’s recent form is slightly better, with a stronger showing in the Superliga and a streak of seven matches with at least one goal scored. Cluj, on the other hand, haven’t found the net in their last two matches—a rare drought for Dan Petrescu’s side.
  • Both teams lost their most recent fixtures, so expect a reaction from both managers.

CFR Cluj’s tactical approach under Dan Petrescu is all about defensive solidity and quick transitions. Petrescu, now in his fourth stint at the club, knows how to grind out results, especially at the fortress-like Stadionul Dr. Constantin Radulescu. However, with Jonathan Cissé and Jasper van der Werff sidelined, and Karlo Muhar limping off recently, their backline could be stretched. Meriton Korenica is also one yellow card away from suspension—something to watch if the match gets feisty.

Craiova under Constantin Gâlcă (with Mirel Rădoi also involved in the coaching setup) have stuck to a fluid 4-3.25, relying on Lyes Houri’s vision and the finishing of Assad Al-Hamlawi and Stefan Baiaram. Injuries are a concern, with key names like Laurențiu Popescu, Luis Paradela, and Alexandru Cicâldău all unavailable. Still, Craiova have managed six goals in their opening two league games—impressive firepower, even if their defense has looked shaky at times.

Key Players and Market Value

  • Virgiliu Postolachi (CFR Cluj) is the man to watch up front, having already netted twice this season.
  • Assad Al-Hamlawi and Stefan Baiaram (Craiova) are both in fine form, with five and two goals respectively across all competitions.
  • On paper, Cluj have the edge in squad value (€31.00m vs Craiova’s €22.77m), but as we’ve seen, that doesn’t always translate to three points.

AI Insights, Betting Tips, and Final CFR Cluj vs Craiova Prediction

Now, let’s get nerdy and see what our AI system has to say. For those looking for smart betting tips, here’s how the numbers stack up:

  1. Most likely result: Home win (CFR Cluj), with odds of 2.3 and a confidence level of 3.0. The fortress factor and Petrescu’s tactical nous tip the balance, even with Cluj’s recent scoring struggles.
  2. Best bet: Under 3.25 goals at 1.27 odds, with a confidence of 5.1/10. Both teams have a history of tight games, and with Cluj’s recent drought and Craiova’s injury concerns, it’s hard to see this turning into a goal-fest.
  3. Final score prediction: 1:0 to CFR Cluj. Expect a tactical chess match, with perhaps a single moment of quality—or a defensive lapse—deciding it.
  4. First-half prediction: 0:0. Both sides are likely to feel each other out before taking more risks after the break.

Other stats to consider for your betting tips:

  • Possession: Cluj 52%, Craiova 48%—expect a balanced midfield battle.
  • Shots: Cluj 15 (4 on target), Craiova 11 (2 on target)—not a shooting gallery, but enough action to keep you awake.
  • Yellow cards: Two apiece, so don’t be surprised if things get a bit spicy.
  • Corners: Nine in total, with a slight edge to Cluj.

To sum up our CFR Cluj vs Craiova prediction: expect a tactical, low-scoring affair with the home side narrowly edging it. The best value is on under 3.25 goals, but if you’re feeling brave, a 1-0 Cluj win could be the ticket. As always, bet responsibly, and may your predictions be as sharp as Dan Petrescu’s touchline attire!

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AI Predictions
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Warning

Avoid first matches from a league!

Best Tip

The best betting football prediction for CFR Cluj vs Craiova

U3.5 -370

No more than 3 goals will be scored in the match with odds of -370
5/10

1x2 Tip

1 130

CFR Cluj is expected to win with odds of 130
3/10

Total Goals

Under 3.5 -370

No more than 3 goals will be scored in the match
3/10

Both Teams To Score

No -105

At least one team is not expected to score
1/10

Bet Builder Tip

1X&U4.5 -189

Home win/draw and under 4.5 goals
2/10
Both Teams To Score

Correct Score

1:0

Stats Predictions

52%
Ball Possession
48%
15
Total Shots
11
4
Shots on Goal
2
5
Shots Off Goal
4
5
Corners
4
2
Yellow Cards
2

Average / Match

2.1
Total Goals
3.4
1.3
Goals Scored
1.9
0.8
Goals Against
1.5
50%
Possession
57%
15
Total Shots
12.6
4.6
Shots on Goal
3.6
5.4
Shots off Goal
4.6
11.2
Fouls
10.3
5.6
Corners
4.9
1.67
Yellow Cards
1.75
0.11
Red Cards
0
396
Total Passes
443

Overview Last 10 Matches

4
Wins
4
7
Over 1.5 Goals
9
4
Over 2.5 Goals
9
1
Over 3.5 Goals
4
5
Both Teams Scored
8
0
Unexpected Wins
0
1
Unexpected Loses
0

Head to Head

CFR Cluj
15 - 13 - 12
Craiova
Craiova Craiova 10-May-25
2:2
CFR C CFR Cluj
CFR Cluj CFR C 07-Apr-25
2:0
Craiova Craiova
CFR Cluj CFR C 03-Apr-25
1:1
Craiova Craiova
Craiova Craiova 01-Dec-24
0:2
CFR C CFR Cluj
CFR Cluj CFR C 28-Jul-24
0:2
Craiova Craiova
Craiova Craiova 25-Apr-24
0:1
CFR C CFR Cluj
CFR Cluj CFR C 16-Mar-24
1:2
Craiova Craiova
Craiova Craiova 02-Dec-23
1:0
CFR C CFR Cluj
CFR Cluj CFR C 30-Jul-23
1:1
Craiova Craiova

Profile time Recent Matches of CFR C

12 Dec CFR Cluj CFR Cluj.
-
Csikszereda. Csikszereda
07 DecD Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiov.
1:1
CFR Cluj. CFR Cluj
04 DecD Metaloglobus Metaloglobus.
2:2
CFR Cluj. CFR Cluj

Profile time Recent Matches of Craiova

11 DecUniv. Craiova Univ. Craiov.
-
Sparta Pragu.Sparta Prague
07 DecDUniv. Craiova Univ. Craiov.
1:1
CFR Cluj.CFR Cluj
04 DecWPetrolul Petrolul.
0:4
Univ. Craiov.Univ. Craiova

Romania - Liga I Romania - Liga I

Team Matches Goals Points
1 Rapid Rapid18
33-16
38
2 FC Botosani FC Botosani18
30-14
36
3 Dinamo Bucuresti Dinamo Bucures19
28-16
35
4 Universitatea Craiova Universitatea 19
30-20
34
5 Arges Pitesti Arges Pitesti19
26-19
33
6 Uta Arad Uta Arad19
23-28
28
7 Oţelul Oţelul19
28-17
27
8 Universitatea Cluj Universitatea 19
24-19
27
9 Farul Constanta Farul Constant19
25-23
26
10 FCSB FCSB19
27-25
25
11 CFR 1907 Cluj CFR 1907 Cluj19
25-32
20
12 Petrolul Ploiesti Petrolul Ploie19
15-18
19
13 Unirea Slobozia Unirea Slobozi19
18-27
18
14 Csikszereda Csikszereda19
20-40
16
15 AFC Hermannstadt AFC Hermannsta19
16-32
12
16 Metaloglobus Metaloglobus19
17-39
11
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