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Match Prediction

Univ. Craiova vs FC Botosani Prediction

Finished
Romania flag Romania

Univ. Craiova

€28.20m

24 Jan13:00
2 : 0

FC Botosani

€12.25m

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Univ. Craiova vs FC Botosani Prediction Liga I

Univ. Craiova vs FC Botosani Prediction: Tactical Insights and Betting Tips

Football fans are in for a treat as we break down the Univ. Craiova vs FC Botosani prediction ahead of their Liga I meeting on January 24, 2026. This encounter, set for 18:00 GMT at Stadionul Ion Oblemenco, promises a fascinating tactical battle—one that has big implications for the Superliga title race. If you’re searching for expert betting tips, head to head analysis, and the best value odds, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the data and strategies that could decide this chilly winter fixture.

Team News, Tactics, and Recent Form

Both Universitatea Craiova and FC Botosani have enjoyed strong campaigns so far, sitting second and third in the table respectively. Craiova, led by Filipe Coelho, have 40 points from 21 matches (11W, 7D, 3L) and boast a healthy goal difference, having scored 37 and conceded 20. Their recent form (WWDDW) suggests a team with both attacking flair and defensive discipline—qualities that could prove vital given the forecast of light freezing rain and temperatures dipping to -3°C. If ever there was a night for disciplined football, this is it!

FC Botosani, meanwhile, are just two points behind their hosts with 38 points (10W, 8D, 3L). While they’ve found the net 30 times and conceded only 15, recent results (DWDDL) hint at a side searching for consistency. Their narrow 1-0 defeat to Csikszereda last time out will sting, but Botosani have shown they can surprise—just ask Universitatea Cluj, whom they beat away in March 2025 at odds of 5.45!

Key Players and Lineups

  • Universitatea Craiova: Despite a couple of injuries—midfielder Tudor Baluta is out until late January, and winger Mihnea Rădulescu is sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear—the core squad remains healthy. The likely lineup includes Pavlo Isenko in goal, with defensive stalwarts like Oleksandr Romanchuk and Nikola Stevanovic protecting the back line. Creative forces such as Alexandru Cicaldau and Nicusor Bancu will look to pull the strings, while Steven Nsimba and Monday Etim offer attacking threat.
  • FC Botosani: The visitors have strengthened with the recent signing of G. Gligor, but up-to-date injury news is scarce. Historically, Botosani have been tough to break down and will likely look to frustrate Craiova with a compact midfield and quick counter-attacks.

Head to Head: History and Trends

In 31 previous meetings, Craiova have 12 wins to Botosani’s 9, with 10 draws. The head to head record is tight, and recent games have often ended in stalemates (1-1, 2-2, 0-0). However, Craiova’s 5-1 rout in a past encounter shows their potential to break the deadlock in style. With both teams eyeing a top-two finish, expect a tactical chess match, especially in the first half.

Univ. Craiova vs FC Botosani Prediction and AI Betting Tips

Now for what you’re really here for: the best Univ. Craiova vs FC Botosani prediction and betting tips, powered by AI and a dash of football common sense.

  1. 1x2 Market: The AI gives a slight edge to the home side, with a predicted win for Universitatea Craiova (odds 1.933, trust 4.8/10). Not exactly a slam dunk, but with Craiova’s recent form and home advantage in the freezing conditions, it’s a logical pick.
  2. Under/Over Goals: The smart money is on under 3.5 goals (odds 1.36, confidence 3.0/10). With both teams priding themselves on defensive organization and the weather likely to play a part, don’t expect a goal fest.
  3. Correct Score: The predicted final score is 2:0 to Craiova, with a goalless first half on the cards. That fits the narrative of a tight, tactical opening before the home side’s superior squad depth and quality make the difference after the break.
  4. Other Stats: Expect Craiova to control possession (59%), muster 15 shots (6 on target), and win 4 corners. Botosani are forecast to have 41% possession, 11 shots (2 on target), and 3 corners. Discipline-wise, Botosani could pick up a couple of yellow cards, while Craiova are expected to keep it clean.

Betting Tips: Where’s the Value?

  • Home Win (1.933): Offers decent value given Craiova’s form, home advantage, and squad depth. Not a high-confidence banker, but a solid option for accumulators.
  • Under 3.5 Goals (1.36): A safer bet, especially considering the defensive records and frigid conditions.
  • Correct Score 2:0: For the adventurous, this could be worth a small flutter given the predicted dynamics.

In conclusion, our Univ. Craiova vs FC Botosani prediction leans towards a home victory in a game that may take time to warm up—literally and figuratively. Expect a tactical battle, a disciplined first half, and Craiova’s quality to shine through after the interval. Whether you’re a stats enthusiast or just after some smart betting tips, this is a match worth following. Stay warm, and may your bets be as sharp as Craiova’s passing!

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AI Predictions
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Warning

Best Tip odd is moving up from 1.72

Best Tip

The best betting football prediction for Univ. Craiova vs FC Botosani

1 -108

Univ. Craiova is expected to win with odds of -108
4/10

1x2 Tip

1 -108

Univ. Craiova is expected to win with odds of -108
4/10

Total Goals

Under 3.5 -323

No more than 3 goals will be scored in the match
2/10

Both Teams To Score

No -111

At least one team is not expected to score
3/10

Bet Builder Tip

1X&U4.5 -227

Home win/draw and under 4.5 goals
5/10
Both Teams To Score

Half-Time Score

0:0

Correct Score

2:0

Stats Predictions

1.77
xG
0.65
59%
Ball Possession
41%
15
Total Shots
11
6
Shots on Goal
2
5
Shots Off Goal
4
4
Corners
3

Average / Match

1.6
Expected Goals
0.71
3.1
Total Goals
1.8
2.2
Goals Scored
0.9
0.9
Goals Against
0.9
57%
Possession
55%
14.7
Total Shots
13.6
6.7
Shots on Goal
3.7
5.3
Shots off Goal
5.1
10.9
Fouls
15.9
5
Corners
5.2
2.3
Offsides
1.6
1.43
Yellow Cards
2.14
523
Total Passes
388

Overview Last 10 Matches

5
Wins
3
8
Over 1.5 Goals
4
6
Over 2.5 Goals
2
5
Over 3.5 Goals
2
4
Both Teams Scored
3
0
Unexpected Wins
0
1
Unexpected Loses
1

Head to Head

Univ. Craiova
10 - 9 - 6
FC Botosani
FC Botosani FC Botosani 31-Aug-25
1:1
Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiova
FC Botosani FC Botosani 22-Feb-25
2:2
Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiova
Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiova 20-Oct-24
0:0
FC Botosani FC Botosani
FC Botosani FC Botosani 18-Feb-24
2:2
Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiova
Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiova 01-Oct-23
5:1
FC Botosani FC Botosani
FC Botosani FC Botosani 21-Jan-23
1:0
Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiova
Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiova 29-Aug-22
1:0
FC Botosani FC Botosani
Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiova 27-May-22
2:0
FC Botosani FC Botosani
FC Botosani FC Botosani 06-Dec-21
2:2
Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiova
Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiova 01-Aug-21
1:2
FC Botosani FC Botosani

Profile time Recent Matches of Univ. Craiova

01 Feb Farul C Farul C.
-
Univ. Craiov. Univ. Craiova
24 JanW Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiov.
2:0
FC Botosani. FC Botosani
19 JanW Petrolul Petrolul.
0:4
Univ. Craiov. Univ. Craiova
10 JanL Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiov.
2:3
Stuttgart II. Stuttgart II
07 JanW Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiov.
1:0
Konyaspor. Konyaspor
22 DecW Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiov.
5:0
Csikszereda. Csikszereda
18 DecL AEK Athens FC AEK Athens F.
3:2
Univ. Craiov. Univ. Craiova
14 DecW AFC H AFC H.
0:2
Univ. Craiov. Univ. Craiova
11 DecL Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiov.
1:2
Sparta Pragu. Sparta Prague
07 DecD Univ. Craiova Univ. Craiov.
1:1
CFR Cluj. CFR Cluj

Profile time Recent Matches of FC Botosani

24 JanLUniv. Craiova Univ. Craiov.
2:0
FC Botosani.FC Botosani
18 JanLCsikszereda Csikszereda.
1:0
FC Botosani.FC Botosani
12 JanWCampulung Campulung.
1:5
FC Botosani.FC Botosani
19 DecLFC Botosani FC Botosani.
0:1
CFR Cluj.CFR Cluj
13 DecDArges P Arges P.
0:0
FC Botosani.FC Botosani
08 DecDFC Botosani FC Botosani.
0:0
Rapid.Rapid
03 DecLFC Botosani FC Botosani.
1:3
AFC H.AFC H
30 NovWUnirea S Unirea S.
0:1
FC Botosani.FC Botosani
24 NovDFC Botosani FC Botosani.
1:1
Dinamo B.Dinamo B
07 NovLFarul C Farul C.
2:0
FC Botosani.FC Botosani

Romania - Liga I Romania - Liga I

Team Matches Goals Points
1 Universitatea Craiova Universitatea23
43-20
46
2 Rapid Rapid23
37-21
45
3 Dinamo Bucuresti Dinamo23
35-19
44
4 Arges Pitesti Arges Pitesti23
30-21
40
5 FC Botosani FC Botosani23
30-18
38
6 Oţelul Oţelul23
35-19
36
7 Universitatea Cluj Universitatea23
27-20
36
8 Uta Arad Uta Arad23
30-32
35
9 CFR 1907 Cluj CFR 1907 Cluj23
34-34
32
10 Farul Constanta Farul23
28-26
31
11 FCSB FCSB23
32-31
31
12 Unirea Slobozia Unirea23
22-35
21
13 Petrolul Ploiesti Petrolul23
16-25
20
14 Csikszereda Csikszereda23
22-51
19
15 AFC Hermannstadt AFC23
19-38
14
16 Metaloglobus Metaloglobus23
19-49
11
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