The highly anticipated clash between Petrolul Ploiesti and Universitatea Craiova is set for Monday, January 19, 2026, with kick-off at 18:00 GMT+0. The match will take place at Stadionul Ilie Oană in Ploiesti, the iconic home ground of Petrolul with a capacity of 15,097. This fixture is part of the Romanian Superliga regular season, marking the first league game for both sides after the winter break. No specific referee information has been confirmed yet for this encounter, but the game promises intensity as Craiova aims to maintain their strong position at the top of the table.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
We prepare you for a deep dive into the key factors that could decide the outcome. From recent form in friendlies and the final matches of 2025 to the historical dominance in head-to-heads, every detail counts. Petrolul vs Universitatea Craiova prediction today focuses on current momentum, squad availability after the break, and tactical setups that often favor the more experienced visitors in such restarts.
Petrolul Results
Petrolul Ploiesti enters this restart after a mixed pre-season and a challenging end to 2025, showing defensive resilience but offensive struggles. The team has been working on fitness during the winter, yet home advantage at Ilie Oană remains their biggest asset against stronger opponents.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 11.01.26 | CF | GKS Katowice vs Petrolul | 3-0 | L |
| 09.01.26 | CF | Karagumruk vs Petrolul | 1-2 | W |
| 06.01.26 | CF | Gaziantep vs Petrolul | 1-1 | D |
| 21.12.25 | SL | FC Hermannstadt vs Petrolul | 1-1 | D |
| 14.12.25 | SL | Petrolul vs U. Cluj | 0-1 | L |
The recent run highlights inconsistency, with only one win in the last five across competitions. Defensive solidity is evident in several low-scoring draws, but the attack has been blunt, especially at home where they failed to score in the latest league outing. Petrolul needs a strong response after the break to climb away from the lower places.
Universitatea Craiova Results
Universitatea Craiova arrives as one of the league’s form teams, blending European experience with domestic dominance. Their pre-season included solid preparation, positioning them well for a title challenge in the second half of the campaign.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 10.01.26 | CF | Univ. Craiova vs Stuttgart II | 2-3 | L |
| 07.01.26 | CF | Univ. Craiova vs Konyaspor | 1-0 | W |
| 22.12.25 | SL | Univ. Craiova vs Csikszereda M. Ciuc | 5-0 | W |
| 18.12.25 | UECL | AEK Athens vs Univ. Craiova | 3-2 | L |
| 14.12.25 | SL | FC Hermannstadt vs Univ. Craiova | 0-2 | W |
Craiova demonstrates strong attacking output in league play, highlighted by the 5-0 thrashing before the break. Despite a pre-season loss, their away form and ability to grind results in Europe underline quality depth and confidence heading into this fixture.
Head-to-Head: Petrolul Ploiesti vs Universitatea Craiova (Last 5 Matches)
The rivalry has been one-sided lately, with Craiova asserting superiority in most recent encounters. This history often influences betting markets and tactical approaches.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 04.12.25 | CUP | Petrolul vs Univ. Craiova | 0-4 |
| 24.08.25 | SL | Univ. Craiova vs Petrolul | 2-0 |
| 07.12.24 | SL | Petrolul vs Univ. Craiova | 1-1 |
| 04.12.24 | CUP | Petrolul vs Univ. Craiova | 0-2 |
| 04.08.24 | SL | Univ. Craiova vs Petrolul | 0-0 |
Craiova has dominated, winning three of the last five with convincing margins, especially away from home. Petrolul’s rare points came in draws, but the trend favors the visitors heavily.
Predicted Starting Lineups for Petrolul Ploiesti vs Universitatea Craiova
Below are the most likely starting XIs for both teams ahead of the Superliga clash on January 19, 2026. These lineups are based on recent pre-season appearances, the final matches of 2025, available squad fitness after the winter break, and the tactical preferences shown by the respective managers. Note that final confirmations usually come 60–90 minutes before kick-off.
Petrolul Ploiesti possible starting lineup:
Krell (GK), Salceanu (DF), Guilherme (DF), Papp (DF), Ricardinho (DF), Jyry (MF), Dongma (MF), Dulca (MF), Grozav (FW), Rosa (FW), Gheorghe (FW)
Universitatea Craiova possible starting lineup:
Isenko (GK), Romanchuk (DF), Stevanovic (DF), Screciu (DF), Teles (MF), Cicaldau (MF), Makvabishvili (MF), Matei (MF), Stefan (MF), Etim (FW), Baiaram (FW)
Key Match Insights and Team News
As we approach this Superliga restart, several elements stand out that could tip the balance. Both teams return from winter preparations, but squad fitness and absences will play a major role in shaping the contest.
- Petrolul faces multiple defensive absences, including Valentin Țicu (torn ligaments), Kilian Ludewig (ankle surgery), Franjo Prce (tendon irritation), and Rareș Manolache (meniscus tear).
- Yohan Roche is away on national team duty, further thinning Petrolul’s backline options.
- Universitatea Craiova deals with injuries to key players like Mihnea Rădulescu (cruciate ligament tear) and Tudor Băluță (appendicitis recovery).
- Adrian Rus remains sidelined with an unknown injury for Craiova.
- Petrolul’s poor offensive record (fewest goals in the league last season) persists into 2026 preparations.
- Craiova boasts a strong recent league scoring run, including high-margin wins before the break.
- Petrolul has shown vulnerability in friendlies, conceding heavily in one outing.
- The visitors’ European experience could help manage the winter rust better.
Free Tips on Petrolul Ploiesti vs Universitatea Craiova
This section delivers practical, match-specific free betting tips drawn from a deep look at historical data, recent performances, and contextual factors for the upcoming Superliga clash. By examining patterns in head-to-head results, goal trends, and venue dynamics, these insights help identify potential value without overlapping team news or injuries. Focus on these elements to sharpen your approach for January 19, 2026.
- Strong historical edge for the visitors in direct clashes — Universitatea Craiova has won 3 of the last 5 meetings (with 2 draws), often keeping clean sheets and scoring efficiently, which supports leaning toward away-favored outcomes or low-scoring affairs against Petrolul.
- Low productivity in recent H2H encounters — Average goals per match across the last 5 head-to-heads hover around 2.14, with multiple 0-0, 1-1, and shutout results, making Under 2.5 goals a recurring pattern worth considering.
- Petrolul’s defensive home resilience but attacking struggles — The hosts have frequently ended in draws or narrow losses at Ilie Oană in league play, rarely scoring heavily, especially against top sides, highlighting value in bets on no BTTS or Petrolul under individual goals.
- Craiova’s superior away consistency in big games — Their ability to secure results on the road, including clean-sheet wins in recent league outings, combined with European experience, positions them well to control the tempo post-winter break.
- Natural grass pitch at Ilie Oană favors controlled, tactical play — With a well-maintained natural surface (105x68m), the game is less likely to become chaotic in January conditions, often leading to fewer goals and more structured defenses prevailing over open, high-scoring affairs.
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Petrolul Ploiesti vs Universitatea Craiova Match Prediction
Considering the head-to-head dominance, Craiova’s superior form entering the break, and Petrolul’s ongoing defensive injuries plus blunt attack, we lean towards an away win or at least avoiding defeat for the visitors. Universitatea Craiova has proven more consistent and clinical, especially in big moments, while Petrolul struggles to create chances. Petrolul vs Universitatea Craiova odds typically reflect this, favoring the guests despite the home venue. The winter break might bring some rust, but Craiova’s quality depth should prevail in a competitive yet controlled performance. Expect a low-to-mid scoring affair, with Craiova likely edging it through efficiency. Petrolul may frustrate early, but the visitors’ attacking threat should decide it.
Our Prediction: Petrolul Ploiesti 0-2 Universitatea Craiova
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Univ. Craiova Win | 1.78 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.65 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.71 |
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