Petrolul Ploiesti
- Petrolul Ploiesti have won two, drawn three and lost five of their ten home Liga I matches in 2025-2026 (W2, D3, L5), averaging just 0.70 goals per game while conceding 1.00 goals per game at home.
- Eugen Neagoe took over as Petrolul Ploiesti’s head coach in September 2025 and has tried to install a solid defensive system, typically employing either a back three or 4-2-3-1, which looks to be compact and difficult to break down in zonal areas.
Universitatea Craiova
- Universitatea Craiova are the form team, winning three of their last five matches, and have won their last two matches in all competitions.
- Universitatea’s away record in Liga I this season is W4, D4 and L2 with the Craiova-based side conceding just ten goals in ten away fixtures.
- Since taking over as Universitatea Craiova’s manager in November 2025, Filipe Coelho has continued the high-tempo, vertical style that has been the team’s trademark since the start of the season.
- Craiova’s relentless pressing and high defensive line means that they dominate possession for the majority of matches and can often force their opponents into mistakes.
Head-to-Head
Universitatea Craiova have a dominant head-to-head record against Petrolul Ploiesti, winning all of the last three meetings, including a 4-0 win in the Romanian Cup just six weeks ago.
Key Players
- Gheorghe Grozav tops the scoring for Petrolul Ploiesti this season with four goals in 20 Liga I appearances.
- Universitatea’s top scorer Stefan Baiaram has six goals in 20 appearances and never fails to turn up when his side needs a goal.
- Assad Al Hamlawi has been in great form for Universitatea recently, netting three goals in their last five and looks a solid anytime goalscorer option here.
- Monday Etim has been in fine form for Craiova recently, providing three assists in their last five and driving the team from the right‑wing.
Betting Insights
- Universitatea Craiova are the clear favourites at 1.83 ahead of this Monday’s clash with Petrolul Ploiesti who are 4.2 outsiders.
- The Under 2.5 goals option at 1.65 looks a good fit for Monday’s match as Neagoe’s team will undoubtedly look to keep things tight.
Prediction
Craiova’s superior form, head-to-head advantage and superior goal-scoring ability should see the favourites take all three points here.
