Petrolul vs CFR Cluj Prediction: Few goals expected in this clash

Second-placed CFR Cluj will travel to the Stadionul Ilie Oanăto on Saturday to take on Petrolul, currently positioned 9th and dwelling in the relegation zone group. Both teams are heading into the clash with a similar track record, securing just 2 wins in their last 10 games across all competitions. Previews, H2H, expert picks, and odds are provided below.

LDLWD

Petrolul have been struggling with poor form, managing to secure just one victory in their past nine games across all competitions. In their recent match against Otelul, the final whistle blew with a 0-0 draw, reflecting a lackluster performance by Petrolul. Their inability to dominate any of the match stats highlights their challenges, sharing all aspects equally.

With their current form, Petrolul have accumulated 31 points in 23 matches, scoring 23 times while conceding 22 goals. However, a standout player for the team is Jair, a 29-year-old midfielder, who has contributed significantly with 6 goals and 5 assists. His outstanding skills have the potential to turn things around in favor of Petrolul and bring a positive change to their performance.

DLWLW

CFR Cluj have been navigating a challenging period, securing only 2 victories in their last 10 matches across various competitions. In their recent triumph against FC Voluntari, however, CFR Cluj displayed a different narrative. With an impressive 4-1 win, they displayed their attacking prowess. The scoring began in the 36th minute, but FC Voluntari leveled the score in the 43rd minute before CFR Cluj unleashed an amazing attacking display in the second half, scoring in the 62nd and 64th minutes to take the lead. They sealed their dominance with the last goal in the 74th minute, securing all three points on their home ground.

Currently positioned at 2nd place in the league standings, CFR Cluj have amassed 39 points from 23 matches. They've been potent in front of goal, scoring 41 times, while conceding 23 goals. A player to watch is Philip Otele, a 24-year-old forward for CFR Cluj. With an impressive record of 9 goals and 4 assists, Otele possesses the potential to turn the tide in favor of his team and make a significant impact on their performance.

Over their last 10 face-offs across various competitions, the battles between Petrolul and CFR Cluj have been nothing short of intense. In this series, Petrolul found success in only 3 matches, while CFR Cluj secured victory in 5 encounters. The remaining 2 matchups ended in draws. The most recent showdown reached its climax in a thrilling 1-0 victory favoring CFR Cluj, adding to the history of closely contested clashes between these two teams.

CFR Cluj seems to have the upper hand in this upcoming encounter, and I foresee a narrow victory for them, considering their impressive track record. Additionally, they've been part of matches with fewer goals in 7 of their last 10 encounters, and in 7 of those matches, neither team managed to score against each other. Given Petrolul's less aggressive attacking style, it appears unlikely that they will find the back of the net in this match.

• W2 for 2.17 odds
• BTTS-NO for 1.75 odds
• Under 2.5 for 1.82 odds