Universitatea Cluj (home)
- Cluj have been erratic, with four wins, two draws and four defeats in their last ten games across all competitions.
- Cluj have won one, drawn two and lost two of their last five games in all competitions, but their two recent draws have been the 0-0 in the reverse of this tie and a 1-1 home draw against FC Dinamo Bucuresti.
- Universitatea Cluj have won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five home games, but they have conceded an average of 1.40 goals per game during that run.
FC Dynamo Kiev (away)
- FC Dynamo Kiev are the favourites to beat Universitatea Cluj at the Cluj Arena in Romania in what looks a very even matchup on Thursday, but it may be a mistake to overplay the home-and-away advantage for this tie.
- The away side, listed at 2.18, have the better form of the two teams in this encounter while Cluj, at 3.35, are underpriced and the draw, at 3.2, looks an interesting play.
- The Ukrainian champions have six wins, two draws and two defeats in their last ten in all competitions, while Cluj's last 10 record of four wins, two draws and four defeats indicates they are an inconsistent side with no clear pattern.
- Ihor Kostiuk has certainly brought a different approach to Dynamo, as he has set them up to press and play a fast-paced, vertical game with lots of turnovers and fast counter-attacks.
- Dynamo have won two, drawn one and lost one of their last four away games across all competitions, so we don't want to overplay their superior away form for this matchup.
Head-to-Head
Their two recent draws have been the 0-0 in the reverse of this tie and a 1-1 home draw against FC Dinamo Bucuresti .
Key Players
- Ihor Kostiuk has certainly brought a different approach to Dynamo, as he has set them up to press and play a fast-paced, vertical game with lots of turnovers and fast counter-attacks.
- Cristiano Bergodi has been developing a more possession-based approach to Cluj's games, although the home side can be stubborn and like to stay compact.
Betting Insights
A tight game is expected and Under 2.5 goals at 1.62 and Both Teams to Score - No at 1.78 both appeal, but our main selection has to be the away team to either win or avoid defeat in 90 minutes as we don't believe they will lose, given their better form and away record.
Prediction
A narrow Dynamo win or a low-scoring draw in 0-0 or 1-0 territory is the likeliest outcome based on the numbers.
