Prediction: CFR Cluj vs Neman

Verdict:  AH CFR Cluj (-1.5)

Best odds: 37/50

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Aiming to make a return to the European stage in the quest to reach the Conference League group phase, former Romanian champions CFR Cluj welcomes Neman. The match will be played at Dr Constantin Radulescu Stadium where over 20, 000 are keen to witness a convincing display and a win from their favourites.

CFR Cluj

CFR Cluj had a roller-coaster ride last season after failing to defend their champions crown. Although former Chelsea star, Adrian Mutu was handed the task to bring the visitors back to the top, a shameful defeat to 2nd-tier side Corvinul in the Cup ended prematurely Mutu’s spell in Gruia.

Even if the season was heading towards a catastrophic ending, CFR recovered greatly in the championship play-off securing a Conference League position. With the summer break passing quickly, Ceferistii brought their most successful manager back into the dugout. Following intense negotiation, Dan Petrescu returned to Cluj after being sacked from the South Korean side Jeonbuck.

Still, the summer preparations were not going according to plan, as CFR secured a single win in the friendly games before Liga 1 debut (W1D1L1). These results left the fans concerned regarding the opening game against Dinamo Bucharest. The concerns became a nightmare as CFR Cluj conceded twice over the half-hour mark, leaving the fans fuming. However, Ceferistii reduced the deficit before the break, setting the stage for a stellar second-half comeback.

Furthermore, Dan Patrescu’s notorious halftime team talk produced a miracle in the second term when the players came on the pitch with a different attitude. Daniel Birligea came to light scoring the equalizer and a strike by Tachsidis completed the comeback. Due to this impressive display, CFR was travelling next round to Bucharest confident to face Neil Lennon’s Rapid in the derby game of the second round.

Although the match produced a lot of hype before the kick-off, the players lived up to the expectations producing a blockbuster that ended with four goals scored (2-2 final result). With the draw secured at Rapid, CFR is 3rd in the league, sharing the top spot position with the other three sides, separated by the goal difference.

Team News

While Dan Petrescu can line up his best formation having all his players fit and ready to face Neman, some changes may occur since the Rapid game. However, Daniel Birligea is expected to spearhead the attacking line following convincing displays when he scored twice and delivered an assist in Liga 1.

Neman

Midway through the domestic competitions, Neman built stamina following difficult battles carried in Vysshaya Liga. Although the quality might not be the highest, Belarus’s first league football focuses more on physical strength than tactical plans.

Engaged in a title fight, Neman sits 3rd in the table, two points behind leader Dinamo Minsk. However, an impressive run of 10 wins from their last 12 competitive games, indicates the visitors will put up a fight in Cluj. Furthermore, a record of 11 wins and 4 defeats in Vysshaya Liga portrays an all-in Neman who will not settle for a draw, making the team dangerous to play against.

However, despite being engaged in a title fight, the visitor’s numbers point to problems both upfront and at the back (19 goals scored and 11 conceded in 15 games). Yet, expected to face an ultra-offensive CFR Cluj, Ivor Kovalevich will need an excellent tactical plan to avoid a disaster at Dr Constantin Radulescu Stadium.

The Grodno outfit made the final preparations for the CFR Cluj game with a friendly test against Dynamo Brest. Despite making some adjustments, Neman won the game (2-1) increasing their morale before heading to Romania.

Team News

Ivor Kovalevich is expected to use his classic 4-4-2 setup. Although the visitors will approach the game defensively, the upfront quality players will be keen to explore the counterattacking opportunities. Finding rhythm and great form recently after netting three times in the last two games, striker Pavel Savitskiy aims to explore CFR Cluj’s defensive leaks.

Key factors to consider

• CFR Cluj is undefeated in Liga 1 (W1D1)
• The hosts scored five goals in the first two championship games
• Neman is 3rd in Belarus’s top flight with a record of W11L4
• The visitors scored at least a goal in the last eight games

Conclusion

CFR Cluj started their season on the front foot scoring five goals in the first two rounds played in Liga 1. Although the visitors are midway through the season having an improved match fitness, Dan Petrescu’s side can explore the visitors’ defensive gaps.

Verdict:  AH CFR Cluj (-1.5)

Best odds: 37/50

Bookmaker: ZetBet