CS U Craiova vs Universitatea Cluj: match statistics

CS U Craiova have looked very strong at home, winning 75% of their matches, scoring an average of 2.75 goals and conceding just 0.50 per game. The hosts create significantly more high-quality chances, as reflected by an average of 22.75 shots, 7.5 shots on target and an xG of 2.50, while allowing opponents just 0.77 xG. Universitatea Cluj have lost both of their away matches so far, scoring only 0.50 goals per game and failing to find the net in 50% of those fixtures. The visitors’ away defensive record also lacks stability, as they concede an average of 1.50 goals, have kept no clean sheets and allow 1.43 xG. Although the visitors have won 3 of their last 5 matches overall, their poor away form and Craiova’s clear advantage in chance creation point towards a home win.

The signal for both teams to score is moderately positive: CS U Craiova had BTTS in 100% of their matches this season, while Universitatea Cluj recorded it in 50%, with both teams reaching 80% over their last five games. Craiova average 2.0 goals at home and have kept no clean sheets, while Cluj also have 0% of matches without conceding. However, the visitors are the main risk to the pick, as their average away goals scored is only 0.5, and they failed to score in 50% of such matches. At the same time, their recent attacking form is clearly better, with an average of 1.6 goals and an xG of 1.94, while Craiova allowed opponents an xG of 1.05 during this period. The hosts create plenty of chances, recording an xG of 1.84 and 5.75 shots on target per match, so they should score, while Cluj’s improved attacking output slightly shifts the prediction towards BTTS - Yes.

The strongest signal is Over 1.5 goals, as at least one goal was scored in 100% of both teams’ matches, while Craiova surpassed the 1.5-goal threshold in 100% of their home fixtures. The hosts average 2.0 goals scored at home, whereas Universitatea Cluj concede 1.5 goals away, clearly supporting at least two goals in the match. The attacking potential remains high: Craiova’s average xG is 1.84 and the visitors’ 1.83, rising to 2.11 and 1.94 respectively over their last five matches. Caution with higher lines is warranted due to Cluj’s away scoring average of just 0.5 goals, as well as the fact that Under 3.5 landed in 75% of Craiova’s matches and 100% of the visitors’ away fixtures. The projected total of 2.56 goals therefore indicates good value for Over 1.5, but only a moderate edge for Over 2.5.

At home, CS U Craiova have won 3 of their 4 matches, scoring an average of 2.0 goals, while Universitatea Cluj have lost both of their away matches, scoring just 0.5 goals per game. The hosts held a lead at the break in 2 of their 4 home fixtures, whereas the visitors were behind at half-time in both away games and failed to score before the interval. Craiova’s superiority in creating clear-cut opportunities is also reflected in 5.75 shots on target per match compared with Cluj’s 3.5, as well as a shot conversion rate of 12% versus 3%. The risk of an equaliser remains genuine, as the hosts concede an average of 1.5 goals; however, their average of 1.25 goals after half-time and their opponents’ poor away run provide the strongest support for a scenario in which the hosts lead at the break and secure the full-time victory (1/1).