Petrolul (home)
- Petrolul are struggling, with one win and three draws in their last five matches and have failed to score in their last three. Our SC FC Petrolul Ploiesti vs Universitatea Craiova prediction highlights how this lack of scoring could impact their chances.
- The 13th-placed side have failed to register a goal in their previous three fixtures and will need to be at their very best to progress.
- Petrolul have been through multiple interim managers since September 2025 and don’t look like a settled unit.
Universitatea Craiova (away)
- Craiova are unbeaten in five in all competitions with wins over Mainz in the UEFA Conference League and FC Argeș in the Superliga.
- Universitatea Craiova, unbeaten in their last five in all competitions, are the superior side and deserve their 2.23 favourite status for Thursday’s game.
- The White and Blues have been rock-solid in defence this season, maintaining their consistency in Europe as well as domestically.
Head-to-Head
- Universitatea Craiova have won the majority of their roughly 14 competitive meetings with Petrolul, including two wins and a draw in their last three Superliga encounters.
- Mirel Rădoi’s men are fourth in the league with 32 points from 17 games and a +10 goal difference, while Petrolul sit 13th with 16 points and a -5 differential. Considering this record, our SC FC Petrolul Ploiesti vs Universitatea Craiova betting tips suggest an away victory remains the top likelihood.
Key Players
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Craiova:
- The defence of Romanchuk, Rus and Screciu has been excellent in both the Superliga and Conference League this term.
- The likes of Ștefan Baiaram and Alexandru Cicaldău, who both play off Steven Nsimba, provide a creative spark and goal threat.
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Petrolul:
- Robert Sălceanu, who equalised for Petrolul against FCSB, and Daniel Alibec will be the reference points for their forwards.
- Ricardinho is the creative hub and pace provider to their attack.
Betting Insights
- Petrolul Ploiești are underdogs to win this Romanian Cup 2025-2026 group stage fixture at 3.15.
- Universitatea Craiova are favourites at 2.23.
- Backing Under 2.5 goals at 1.67 is a bit short, but a Craiova win by 1-0 or 2-0 has most appeal in the correct score market. The SC FC Petrolul Ploiesti vs Universitatea Craiova betting tips further reinforce this expected outcome.
Prediction
- Craiova have the edge due to superior form and a much better recent record in this fixture.
- Prediction: Craiova to win, most likely 1-0 or 2-0.
