Universitatea Cluj are having a lot of problems in their away days this season and traditionally struggle at this stadium. I see good value in backing CFR Cluj to collect three points on Thursday.
Key Stats
- CFR Cluj have won 4 of their last 6 matches.
- CFR Cluj have won their last 3 home matches against Universitatea Cluj.
- CFR Cluj’s Stefan Drazic has scored 5 goals in his last 8 matches (Liga I).
- Universitatea Cluj have lost 4 of their last 5 away matches.
28 Previous Meetings
CFR Cluj were more successful in head to head matches against Universitatea Cluj, winning 14 games while the visitors won on seven occasions.
Hosts Coming off an Important Victory
CFR Cluj are having a disappointing run in the Romanian Liga I, collecting just 13 points in nine matches and already changed head managers once, currently led by Marius Sumudica.
Their results throughout September were mixed, starting with a disappointing goalless draw at home against Farul Constanta, then getting beaten by Sepsi Sf. Gheorghe 3-1 on the road.
They returned to winning ways just before the international break by defeating Botosani 3-1 at home, but it's worth adding the opposition had one player sent off in the 9th minute.
Visitors Struggling at This Stadium
Universitatea Cluj have lost last season's title race to Craiova, but judging by the early days, they won't play a big role in this campaign, sitting in 5th place with 15 points after nine games.
Their games on the road have been quite problematic, losing their first four trips across competitions to Sepsi 1-0, Brann 3-1, Dinamo Bucharest 2-1 and Universitatea Craiova 4-0 before finally ending this negative run just before the international break with a 2-0 win at Voluntari.
They also struggled at this stadium in recent past, losing the last three head to head clashes against CFR Cluj 1-0, 3-2 and 1-0.
Team News
CFR Cluj can't count on Ilija Masic and Razvan Fica, both ruled out with long term injuries. Striker Nicolae Sula is doubtful.
Noah Loosli will need three more weeks to recover from a thigh injury for the visitors. Forward Alibek Aliev is their most prolific player so far with six goals and two assists in Liga I.