Both sides conceded just one goal in the opening two Champions League qualifying matches and I expect them to start this clash with caution, especially the first half. Under 2.5 goals is the best bet.
Key Stats
- Levski have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 9 matches (including pre-season).
- Universitatea Craiova have kept a clean sheet in their last 2 matches.
No Previous Meetings
This is going to be the first head to head clash between Levski and Universitatea Craiova.
Levski Back in UCL After 17 Years
Levski Sofia ended more than two decades of Ludogorets’ domination in the Bulgarian top flight, winning their first domestic title since 2009 in a convincing fashion last season.
They started the UCL qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Borac Banja Luka in Bosnia, then finished the job at home with a 4-0 win, Armstrong Oko-Flex and Reinaldo scoring two goals each in this tie.
Last weekend, Levski kicked off the new season in the Bulgarian top flight with a 2-1 win over Dunav Ruse, dominating stats with 69% possession and 12-3 shots on target.
Craiova Off to a Great Start
Universitatea Craiova became the Romanian champions last season for the first time since 1991, which is their fifth domestic title, finishing four points ahead of Universitatea Cluj, while winning the Romanian Cup as well after beating the same opponent on penalties.
In the previous UCL qualifying round, they defeated ML Vitebsk twice, 4-1 on the road and 1-0 in front of the home crowd to advance, firing 34 shots total in these encounters.
Last weekend, Filipe Coelho’s side kicked off the new Liga I campaign with a 4-0 win over UTA Arad, scoring all four goals in the second half.
Team News
Defender Stipe Vulikic is out for the home side (metatarsal fracture), as well as winger Radoslav Kirilov. Serginho and Reinaldo were signed from Santa Clara earlier this summer and aready shown a lot in the opening two games against Borac.
As for the visitors, reserve goalkeeper Pavlo Isenko is injured. Winger Alexandru Iamandache is doubtful due to a knee problem.