The upcoming clash in the Romanian Superliga pits FC Botoșani against Universitatea Cluj at Stadionul Municipal in Botoșani, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 GMT on February 20, 2026. This Round 28 fixture sees the hosts, currently sitting in 6th-7th position with 42 points from 27 games, welcoming a strong U. Cluj side in 4th place on 45 points, both eyeing spots in the Championship Round. No specific referee has been confirmed yet for this midweek encounter, but expect a standard Superliga official given the league’s typical appointments; the small 7,782-capacity venue often creates an intense, compact atmosphere that can favor the home side’s pressing style.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
This section sets the stage for a detailed breakdown of recent performances and historical context ahead of FC Botoșani vs Universitatea Cluj prediction today. Both teams have shown inconsistent but promising runs in the Superliga, making this a pivotal mid-table battle with implications for European qualification hopes. Recent results highlight contrasting momentum: Botoșani mixing solid home displays with away struggles, while U. Cluj demonstrate strong away form and attacking output. Head-to-head clashes add extra spice, with tight, low-scoring affairs dominating lately. Key stats like goals conceded and clean sheets will heavily influence value bets.
FC Botoșani Results
FC Botoșani enter this match with mixed form, showing resilience at home but vulnerability on the road in recent Superliga outings. Their latest games reflect a team capable of clean sheets against weaker opposition yet struggling against top-half sides.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 15.02.26 | SL | UTA Arad vs FC Botoșani | 2-1 | L |
| 12.02.26 | CUP | Concordia vs FC Botoșani | 2-3 | W |
| 08.02.26 | SL | FC Botoșani vs Metaloglobus Bucharest | 3-0 | W |
| 05.02.26 | SL | FCSB vs FC Botoșani | 2-1 | L |
| 02.02.26 | SL | FC Botoșani vs Otelul | 0-0 | D |
Botoșani have secured only two wins in their last five across competitions, with home strength evident in the 3-0 success. Defensive solidity stands out in draws and low-scoring losses, conceding exactly two in defeats. They average under 1.5 goals scored recently, relying on set-pieces and counter-attacks at Stadionul Municipal. Momentum builds from the cup win, but league consistency remains an issue against higher-ranked teams.
Universitatea Cluj Results
U. Cluj arrive with strong momentum, particularly impressive in away fixtures and recent high-scoring displays in the Superliga. Their form suggests confidence in attack while maintaining defensive organization.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 14.02.26 | SL | U. Cluj vs Csikszereda M. Ciuc | 4-1 | W |
| 11.02.26 | CUP | U. Cluj vs Otelul | 2-0 | W |
| 07.02.26 | SL | CFR Cluj vs U. Cluj | 3-2 | L |
| 03.02.26 | SL | U. Cluj vs FC Arges | 3-1 | W |
| 31.01.26 | SL | FC Rapid Bucuresti vs U. Cluj | 0-2 | W |
U. Cluj boast four wins in five, including consecutive away victories with clean sheets or high output. They score freely at home but show resilience on the road, netting in tough venues like Rapid. The heavy home win signals attacking peak form, while the loss to CFR Cluj exposed occasional defensive lapses against elite pressing. Overall, this run positions them as slight favorites despite traveling.
FC Botoșani vs Universitatea Cluj Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
Recent encounters between these sides have been competitive and often decided by fine margins, with U. Cluj holding an edge in several fixtures.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 18.10.25 | SL | U. Cluj vs FC Botoșani | 0-2 |
| 01.03.25 | SL | U. Cluj vs FC Botoșani | 0-1 |
| 28.10.24 | SL | FC Botoșani vs U. Cluj | 1-2 |
| 15.03.24 | SL | U. Cluj vs FC Botoșani | 3-0 |
| 03.03.24 | SL | U. Cluj vs FC Botoșani | 1-0 |
U. Cluj dominated earlier clashes with three wins, but Botoșani flipped the script in the most recent two away trips to Cluj Arena (2-0 and 1-0). Goals remain scarce overall, averaging under 2.5, with clean sheets frequent. Home advantage has shifted dynamics lately for Botoșani.
Predicted Lineups for FC Botoșani vs Universitatea Cluj
These are the predicted starting lineups for the Superliga match on February 20, 2026, based on recent team selections, tactical preferences, and available squad information. Lineups can shift due to last-minute decisions, but these represent the most likely XI for each side in a standard formation. Note that football lineups are typically listed by position for clarity.
FC Botoșani’s predicted lineup:
Anestis (GK), Cret (DF), Miron (DF), Suta (DF), Friday (DF), Petro (MF), Bordeianu (MF), Panoiu (MF), Ongenda (MF), Dumiter (MF), Lopez (FW).
Universitatea Cluj’s predicted lineup:
Gertmonas (GK), Mikanovic (DF), Cristea (DF), Coubis (DF), Chipciu (DF), Macalou (MF), Nistor (MF), Bic (MF), Drammeh (FW), El Sawy (FW), Lukic (FW).
INJURED AND QUESTIONABLE PLAYERS
The following table highlights key players who are unavailable or doubtful for the match due to injuries, suspensions, or other issues, which could impact team depth and tactics.
| Team | Player | Status/Reason |
| FC Botoșani | Rijad Sadiku | Cruciate ligament injury |
| FC Botoșani | Francisco Junior | Out (previously noted inactive) |
| Universitatea Cluj | Ovidiu Bic | Yellow card suspension (until 24/02/2026) |
| Universitatea Cluj | Miguel Silva (Gomes da Silva) | Knee injury |
Key Match Factors and Team News Insights
Several elements could swing this Superliga encounter, from current form to potential absences and tactical edges.
- Botoșani show improved home scoring but concede regularly against top-6 sides;
- U. Cluj ride a strong away streak, winning three of last four on the road with multiple goals;
- Recent H2H favors Botoșani in latest meetings, winning both as visitors;
- No major reported injuries for either side, though monitor Francisco Junior (Botoșani) as inactive;
- U. Cluj’s attacking output peaks lately (scored 2+ in four of five);
- Botoșani’s defensive record at home includes clean sheets but vulnerability to counters;
- Motivation high for both: U. Cluj chase top-4 consolidation, Botoșani aim to climb into Championship mix;
- Low-scoring trend persists in H2H, with under 2.5 goals in most recent games.
Free Tips on FC Botoșani vs Universitatea Cluj
This section delivers practical, data-driven tips tailored to the upcoming Superliga clash between FC Botoșani and Universitatea Cluj on February 20, 2026. Drawing from recent form, head-to-head patterns, and venue-specific details, these pointers help identify potential edges without overlapping broader match factors. Focus remains on statistical trends and contextual elements that could sway betting decisions in this tight mid-table encounter.
- Home advantage stands out strongly for Botoșani: they boast an excellent home record this season with 7 wins, 5 draws, and just 1 loss at Stadionul Municipal, conceding only 8 goals in 13 league games there, which often leads to low-scoring, controlled performances against visiting sides.
- U. Cluj thrive remarkably on the road: their away form ranks as very good, with 7 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses, plus a positive goal difference (19 scored, 13 conceded in 13 outings), suggesting they handle travel well and can exploit transitions effectively even in hostile small stadiums.
- Head-to-head favors recent momentum shifts: while U. Cluj won three of the earlier five meetings, Botoșani claimed the last two (both as visitors), pointing to a pattern where the hosts in this fixture gain confidence from defensive solidity and counter opportunities.
- Cold weather likely influences play style: forecasts indicate temperatures around -2°C to -3°C in Botoșani on match day, potentially slowing the natural grass pitch at Stadionul Municipal and favoring compact, low-risk football with fewer high-pace actions and reduced goal volume.
- Key absences tilt defensive dynamics: Botoșani miss defender Rijad Sadiku due to a cruciate ligament injury, weakening their backline depth, while U. Cluj cope without midfielder Ovidiu Bic (suspension until late February) and face doubts over Andrei Artean and Miguel Silva (injuries), which could limit their midfield control and pressing intensity.
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FC Botoșani vs Universitatea Cluj Match Prediction
This promises a tight, tactical Superliga battle where home advantage meets U. Cluj’s superior recent momentum and away form. Botoșani’s recent home wins and success in latest H2H (back-to-back away victories over U. Cluj) give them edge in low-scoring affairs, yet Cluj’s attacking fluency (multiple goals in recent outings) and higher league position suggest they can exploit transitions. We lean toward a narrow U. Cluj success or draw, given their four wins in five and strong road record. FC Botoșani vs Universitatea Cluj odds reflect a close contest, with value likely on under goals or away side.
Our Prediction: FC Botoșani 0-1 Universitatea Cluj
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Universitatea Cluj Win | 3.05 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.65 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.82 |
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