The Romanian Superliga continues on Monday, 8 December 2025, with a crucial round 19 clash as FC Botosani welcome FC Rapid Bucuresti to Stadionul Municipal in Botoşani. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:30 GMT+0. The match will be refereed by Horațiu Feșnic, known for averaging 5.2 yellow cards per game this season and awarding penalties in 28 % of his Superliga appointments. This mid-table battle could have significant implications for European qualification spots.
Both clubs are separated by just four points heading into the weekend, with Rapid holding the historical edge but Botosani enjoying strong home form in recent months. The small 7 782-capacity stadium is expected to be close to full, creating a hostile atmosphere for the visitors from Bucharest.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
This FC Botosani vs FC Rapid Bucuresti prediction today focuses on two sides showing contrasting momentum heading into December. Recent results reveal Botosani’s growing defensive solidity at home, while Rapid have struggled badly on the road against organised defences. Head-to-head trends and current squad availability will play a decisive role in determining the outcome.
FC Botosani Results
FC Botosani have stabilised after a difficult start to the season and are now unbeaten in their last four home league games. The midweek cup exit against Hermannstadt exposed offensive limitations, but their Superliga performances have been far more disciplined. Liviu Ciobotariu’s switch to a compact 5-3-2 has made them extremely hard to break down on their own pitch.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 03.12.2025 | Cup | FC Botosani vs Hermannstadt | 1-3 | L |
| 30.11.2025 | Superliga | Unirea Slobozia vs FC Botosani | 0-1 | W |
| 24.11.2025 | Superliga | FC Botosani vs Dinamo Bucuresti | 1-1 | D |
| 07.11.2025 | Superliga | Farul Constanta vs FC Botosani | 2-0 | L |
| 03.11.2025 | Superliga | Petrolul vs FC Botosani | 0-0 | D |
Botosani have kept clean sheets in three of their last five away/outcome games but only scored more than one goal once in their last eight matches across all competitions. Their expected goals against (xGA) at home stands at an impressive 0.87 over the last six Superliga fixtures. The return of captain Eduard Pap from suspension strengthens the defensive line significantly.
FC Rapid Bucuresti Results
Rapid Bucharest remain an enigma under Neil Lennon – capable of dominant home performances yet consistently poor away from Giulești. Last week’s surprise cup elimination at second-division Argeș highlighted ongoing problems in transitions and finishing. They have taken just four points from the last 21 available on the road.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 02.12.2025 | Cup | FC Argeș vs FC Rapid Bucuresti | 2-1 | L |
| 28.11.2025 | Superliga | FC Rapid vs Csikszereda | 4-1 | W |
| 23.11.2025 | Superliga | CFR Cluj vs FC Rapid Bucuresti | 3-0 | L |
| 08.11.2025 | Superliga | FC Rapid vs FC Argeș | 2-0 | W |
| 02.11.2025 | Superliga | Univ. Craiova vs FC Rapid | 2-2 | D |
Rapid have failed to score in four of their last six away games and their xG on the road this season is a paltry 0.94 per match. Defensive errors in build-up play cost them heavily against CFR Cluj, while Albion Rrahmani has gone four games without a goal – his longest drought of the campaign.
Head-to-Head: FC Botosani vs FC Rapid Bucuresti
Rapid have historically dominated this fixture, winning four of the last six encounters across all competitions. However, Botosani’s surprise 2-0 victory in October 2024 at home ended a seven-year winless run against Rapid on this ground.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 04.08.2025 | Superliga | FC Rapid vs FC Botosani | 2-1 |
| 17.02.2025 | Superliga | FC Rapid vs FC Botosani | 1-0 |
| 31.10.2024 | Cup | FC Botosani vs FC Rapid | 0-2 |
| 06.10.2024 | Superliga | FC Botosani vs FC Rapid | 2-0 |
| 02.12.2023 | Superliga | FC Botosani vs FC Rapid | 0-0 |
Predicted Lineups: FC Botosani vs FC Rapid Bucuresti
In football previews like this Romanian Superliga clash, predicted starting lineups are based on recent training reports, tactical preferences, and availability updates from club sources such as Wyscout and official team announcements. These projections help bettors assess potential formations and key matchups, though last-minute changes can occur due to fitness tests or coaching decisions. For this match on December 8, 2025, both sides are expected to field compact setups, with Botosani in a defensive 5-3-2 and Rapid opting for a more fluid 4-3-3 to chase points on the road.
FC Botosani Predicted Starting Lineup
Anestis (GK), Pavlovic (DF), Suta (DF), Miron (DF), Friday (DF), Papa (MF), David (MF), Mailat (MF), Ongenda (MF), Dumitru (MF), Dumiter (FW).
FC Rapid Bucuresti Predicted Starting Lineup
Aioani (GK), Onea (DF), Kramer (DF), Bolgado (DF), Braun (DF), Christeansen (MF), Vulturar (MF), Keita (MF), Dobre (MF), Koljic (MF), Petrila (FW).
Key Match Factors to Watch
- Botosani have no fresh injury concerns; Eduard Pap returns from suspension and slots straight into central defence;
- Rapid will miss key midfielder Damien Dussaut (ankle, 3-4 weeks) and winger Claudiu Petrila (muscular, doubtful);
- Botosani unbeaten in four home league games (W2 D2); Rapid without an away league win in seven attempts;
- Average match goals in last eight H2H – exactly 2.0; six of those eight finished Under 2.5;
- Botosani’s PPDA at home has dropped to 9.1 since switching to 5-3-2 – one of the most aggressive pressing figures in the league;
- Rapid have conceded first in six of their last eight away matches;
- Referee Horațiu Feșnic issued 8 yellow cards in the reverse fixture this season;
- Weather forecast: 2°C, light rain – likely slow, heavy pitch that favours Botosani’s direct style.
Free Tips on FC Botosani vs FC Rapid Bucuresti
Before placing any bet on this Romanian Superliga fixture, a quick dive into the underlying data reveals several clear edge that the market hasn’t fully priced in yet. The three areas that stand out most are Rapid’s catastrophic away record, Botosani’s transformation at home under the 5-3-2, and the extremely low-scoring nature of this particular matchup. Here are the five most actionable free tips based purely on statistics and historical patterns:
- Exploit Rapid’s away goal drought: Rapid have scored only 2 goals in their last 7 away league games combined (0.29 goals per match) and failed to score in 5 of those 7. Their road xG this season is just 0.94 – one of the three worst figures in the Superliga.
- Back Botosani’s home defensive record: Since switching to three centre-backs in late October, Botosani have conceded only 3 goals in 6 home matches across all competitions (xGA 0.81 per game) and kept 4 clean sheets.
- Trust the Under trend in this fixture: The last 8 competitive meetings between these clubs averaged exactly 2.00 goals per game; 6 of those 8 finished Under 2.5, including the last 4 in a row.
- Consider the referee’s card average in context: Horațiu Feșnic averages 5.4 cards per game this season and showed 8 yellows in the reverse fixture in August. Rapid pick up 3.1 cards per away game – highest in the league on the road.
- Factor in fixture congestion and travel: Rapid played midweek in Pitești (600 km round trip) and lost; they have taken just 1 point from 12 possible after midweek cup games this season. Botosani had a full week to prepare on their own pitch.
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FC Botosani vs FC Rapid Bucuresti Match Prediction 2025
The current FC Botosani vs FC Rapid Bucuresti odds heavily underestimate the home side given Rapid’s chronic away problems and missing personnel. Botosani’s defensive structure and set-piece threat (34 % of their goals this season) perfectly match Rapid’s weakness in transitional moments and poor road xGA (1.81). Neil Lennon’s side have scored just twice in their last five away league games combined.
Everything points to a low-scoring, tactically disciplined affair. Botosani’s recent home xG differential (+0.66) and Rapid’s negative road differential (-0.87) create clear value on the home win or draw-no-bet market. Expect Ciobotariu’s men to frustrate Rapid and nick the points through a set-piece or counter in the second half.
Our Prediction: FC Botosani 1-1 FC Rapid Bucuresti
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Draw | 3.15 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.78 |
| Both Teams Score | Yes | 1.72 |
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