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Match Prediction

Craiova vs Universitatea Cluj Prediction

Finished
Romania flag Romania
Liga I

Craiova

€22.62m

28 Jul19:30
2 : 1

U Cluj

€14.40m

Preview

Craiova vs U Cluj Prediction Liga I

Craiova vs Universitatea Cluj Prediction: Stats, Odds & Betting Tips

If you’re searching for a reliable Craiova vs Universitatea Cluj prediction, you’re in the right place. With both teams jostling for supremacy in Liga I, this encounter promises not just drama but also plenty of angles for sports betting enthusiasts. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned bettor, you’ll find the key stats, betting odds, and strategic insights you need right here.

Team News, Recent Form & Tactical Overview

The Liga I fixture on July 28, 2025, at Stadionul Ion Oblemenco is shaping up to be a compelling contest. Craiova, currently sitting 3rd, hosts Universitatea Cluj, who are just ahead in 2nd place. Last season, both sides finished level on points in the regular stage before Craiova edged ahead in the play-offs, with both teams earning a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifiers. This context adds extra spice to the head to head narrative.

  • Craiova have been lively in front of goal, scoring 11 times in their last 6 games, though their defense has looked shaky, conceding in all 6 matches. Their recent record reads 3 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses from the last 10 games. However, at home, they’ve been a force, winning 7 out of their last 10, drawing 2 and losing just 1.
  • Universitatea Cluj are unbeaten in their last three matches across all competitions. Their last 10 games show a balanced record: 3 wins, 3 draws, and 4 defeats. Away from home, they’ve won 4, drawn 2, and lost 4 in their last 10 outings.

Looking at the head to head stats, Craiova have dominated recent meetings, unbeaten in ten straight encounters against Cluj, with five wins and five draws. The average number of goals in these direct duels is just over two per match, suggesting we could see some action on the scoreboard. Notably, Craiova’s last home game against Cluj ended in a convincing 3-0 victory, but Cluj did manage a 2-1 home win over Craiova in April, proving they can upset the odds.

  • Squad news: Craiova’s manager, Constantin Gâlcă, will be without several key players due to injury, including Laurențiu Popescu, Vladimir Screciu, and Luis Paradela, while Alexandru Cicâldău remains doubtful. Cluj, in contrast, have no major injury worries, giving them a potential edge in squad depth.
  • Tactics: Both teams are likely to set up in a 3-5-2 formation, focusing on midfield control and wing play. Craiova’s style under Mirel Rădoi is proactive, with a preference for keeping possession (expected 55% in this match), while Cluj are comfortable absorbing pressure and hitting on the break.

Betting Odds, Stats & AI Predictions

Turning to the betting odds, Craiova are slight favorites at 2.15 for a home win, with a draw priced at 3.17 and an away win for Cluj at 3.175. The squad values also reflect this slight edge, with Craiova’s roster valued at €22.62 million compared to Cluj’s €14.40 million.

  • Shots & Corners: Both teams are expected to register 11 shots each, with Craiova slightly ahead in shots on target (4 vs 3). Corners should be evenly split at 5 apiece, highlighting the balanced nature of this encounter.
  • Discipline: Expect a competitive but fair contest, with Craiova forecasted to pick up 1 yellow card and Cluj 3.

NerdyTips’ AI offers a cautious but optimistic outlook for goals, making over 1.5 goals (odds 1.25) the most promising bet, with a trust score of 4.0/10. The AI also suggests the 1X double chance (Craiova to win or draw) as the best 1x2 bet, albeit with a modest trust score of 2.0 and odds of 1.3. The final score prediction? A lively 2:2 draw, with a 1:1 scoreline expected at half-time.

  1. Head to head history suggests goals are likely, with an average of 2.09 per match.
  2. Recent form and betting odds point to a tightly contested match, with both teams capable of scoring and defending in equal measure.
  3. The AI’s Craiova vs Universitatea Cluj prediction is for a high-tempo, goal-filled contest, making the over 1.5 goals market attractive for sports betting fans.

Final Thoughts & Best Bets

While Craiova’s home advantage and squad value give them a slight edge, Cluj’s resilience and recent away performances suggest they won’t go quietly. With both teams showing attacking intent and a history of lively encounters, backing over 1.5 goals looks a sensible play. For those seeking a safer route, the 1X double chance covers the bases if the hosts slip up.

  • Best Bet: Over 1.5 goals (odds 1.25)
  • Value Bet: 1X (Craiova to win or draw, odds 1.3)

In summary, our Craiova vs Universitatea Cluj prediction is for an entertaining draw, with both teams likely to find the net. Whether you’re interested in head to head history, sports betting angles, or the latest betting odds, this match has all the ingredients for a memorable Liga I fixture.

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AI Predictions
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Warning

Universitatea Cluj has upcoming match in Europe

Best Tip

The best betting football prediction for Craiova vs U Cluj

O1.5 -400

At least 2 goals will be scored in the match with odds of -400
4/10

1x2 Tip

1X -294

Craiova to win or draw
2/10

Total Goals

Over 1.5 -400

At least 2 goals will be scored in the match
4/10

Both Teams To Score

Yes -143

Both teams are expected to score
3/10

Bet Builder Tip

1X&O1.5 -159

Home win/draw and over 1.5 goals
1/10
Both Teams To Score

Correct Score

2:2

Stats Predictions

55%
Ball Possession
45%
11
Total Shots
11
4
Shots on Goal
3
3
Shots Off Goal
5
5
Corners
5
1
Yellow Cards
3

Average / Match

2.9
Total Goals
3
1.5
Goals Scored
1.4
1.4
Goals Against
1.6
55%
Possession
55%
11.1
Total Shots
15
4.2
Shots on Goal
4.3
3
Shots off Goal
6.5
12.1
Fouls
10.7
5.2
Corners
5.8
1.3
Offsides
0.5
1.89
Yellow Cards
1.83
0
Red Cards
0.17
430
Total Passes
450

Overview Last 10 Matches

3
Wins
3
8
Over 1.5 Goals
8
7
Over 2.5 Goals
6
3
Over 3.5 Goals
5
7
Both Teams Scored
7
0
Unexpected Wins
0
0
Unexpected Loses
0

Head to Head

Craiova
3 - 5 - 1
Universitatea Cluj
Universitatea Cluj U Cluj 26-Apr-25
2:1
Craiova Craiova
Craiova Craiova 14-Mar-25
3:0
U Cluj Universitatea Cluj
Craiova Craiova 05-Feb-25
1:0
U Cluj Universitatea Cluj
Universitatea Cluj U Cluj 22-Sep-24
1:1
Craiova Craiova
Craiova Craiova 26-May-24
1:1
U Cluj Universitatea Cluj
Craiova Craiova 09-Feb-24
2:2
U Cluj Universitatea Cluj
Universitatea Cluj U Cluj 23-Sep-23
1:1
Craiova Craiova
Craiova Craiova 05-Nov-22
1:0
U Cluj Universitatea Cluj
Universitatea Cluj U Cluj 24-Jul-22
1:1
Craiova Craiova

Profile time Recent Matches of Craiova

11 Dec Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiov.
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Sparta Pragu. Sparta Prague
07 DecD Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiov.
1:1
CFR Cluj. CFR Cluj
04 DecW Petrolul Petrolul.
0:4
Univ. Craiov. Univ. Craiova

Profile time Recent Matches of U Cluj

07 DecWU. Cluj U. Cluj.
3:0
AFC H.AFC H
04 DecDSepsi Sepsi.
2:2
U. Cluj.U. Cluj

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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