Universitatea Craiova vs FC Botosani (2:0): Superliga 24/01/2026

January 24, 2026

Status: Finished

2-0

Superliga

Universitatea Craiova

FC Botosani

The highly anticipated clash between Universitatea Craiova and FC Botosani is set for Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Stadionul Ion Oblemenco in Craiova, Romania. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 GMT, with the home side looking to maintain their strong position at the top of the table. No specific referee has been confirmed in available previews yet, but the match forms part of Round 23 in the Romanian Superliga regular season phase, where motivation remains high for both teams amid a competitive standings battle.

This fixture promises intensity as Universitatea Craiova aim to solidify their lead, while FC Botosani seek points to stay in the upper half. The large capacity of 30,983 at Ion Oblemenco could provide a significant home boost.

BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS

Before diving into recent performances and historical data, it’s essential to highlight the context shaping this encounter. Universitatea Craiova vs FC Botosani prediction today focuses on current momentum, home advantage, and key absences that could tilt the balance. Both sides come off contrasting pre-winter breaks, making underlying trends crucial for informed views on goals, cards, and outright outcomes.

Universitatea Craiova Results

Universitatea Craiova enter this match in excellent shape, showing consistent scoring power and defensive solidity in recent outings. Their pre-season and league form underline why they sit atop the Superliga standings.

The table reveals dominant home displays with high-scoring wins, including two clean-sheet victories. Even in defeat, they showed attacking intent. This run highlights strong finishing and resilience, especially at Stadionul Ion Oblemenco where they rarely drop points.

FC Botosani Results

FC Botosani have shown mixed results lately, with defensive issues evident in league play despite some positive friendlies. Their position in the upper mid-table reflects grit but inconsistency on the road.

Recent league outings display struggles to score consistently, with only one clean sheet in five. Friendlies boosted confidence, but Superliga form suggests vulnerability away against stronger sides. Defensive organization will be tested heavily here.

Who will win Saturday’s Superliga clash between Universitatea Craiova and FC Botosani?

Universitatea Craiova > Draw > FC Botosani >

Universitatea Craiova

60%

Draw

25%

FC Botosani

15%

Universitatea Craiova vs FC Botosani Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

The rivalry has produced tight, often high-scoring affairs in recent years, with draws dominating lately.

History favors Universitatea Craiova at home, where they remain unbeaten in the last three against Botosani. Draws are frequent overall, but the most recent home clash was goalless—suggesting cautious approaches.

Predicted Lineups for Universitatea Craiova vs FC Botosani

Below are the projected starting lineups for the Superliga match on January 24, 2026, based on the most recent team news, tactical preferences, and available personnel. These formations reflect the likely setups managers will deploy, assuming no last-minute changes due to fitness or tactical shifts.

Universitatea Craiova: Predicted lineup

Isenko (GK), Romanchuk (DF), Stevanovic (DF), Screciu (DF), Bancu (MF), Mekvabishvili (MF), Cicaldau (MF), Nsimba (MF), Matei (MF), Etim (FW), Teles (FW).

FC Botosani: Predicted lineup

Anestis (GK), Cret (DF), Miron (DF), Diaw (DF), Pavlovic (DF), Petro (MF), Papa (MF), Mailat (MF), Mitrov (MF), Ongenda (MF), Dumiter (FW).

Injured and Questionable Players

The following players are currently unavailable or doubtful for the match due to injury or other issues. Their absence has already been factored into the projected lineups above.

These absences, particularly in midfield and defense for both sides, will influence the tactical battle and could open space for the selected starters to exploit.

Key Match Factors and Team News

Several elements will influence the outcome in this Superliga showdown. Home advantage, current league positions, and specific absences stand out as decisive.

• Universitatea Craiova lead the Superliga with strong home form and high goal output recently;
• Key absences include Tudor Băluță (appendicitis/injury) and Mihnea Rădulescu (cruciate ligament tear, long-term out);
• Adrian Rus is sidelined with an unknown injury, potentially weakening the backline;
• FC Botosani miss Alexandru Țigănașu and Alexandru Cîmpanu due to yellow card suspensions;
• Rijad Sadiku (cruciate ligament) and Mykola Kovtalyuk (cervical vertebra fracture) remain long-term absentees for Botosani;
• Craiova boast a four-match unbeaten home run in league play with impressive scoring;
• Botosani have failed to win away in recent Superliga games, showing defensive fragility;
• No major scandals reported, but Botosani’s road record adds pressure.

Ready to level up your football betting skills? Read our guide to learn how to place smarter bets. Increase your chances of winning with BC.GAME!

Bet Now

Free Tips on Universitatea Craiova vs FC Botosani

This section delivers practical, data-driven advice drawn from the teams’ recent performances, historical encounters, and key statistical patterns. By focusing on form trends, venue specifics, and matchup dynamics, these tips help identify potential edges without overlapping broader factors already covered. Use them to refine your approach for this January 24, 2026 Superliga fixture at Stadionul Ion Oblemenco.

• Prioritize home dominance in evaluation: Universitatea Craiova have compiled an impressive home record this season, securing 7 wins from 11 league games at Ion Oblemenco with a strong goal difference, making them reliable for outcomes favoring the hosts against mid-table visitors.
• Examine goal trends in head-to-head clashes: Recent meetings often feature moderate scoring, with three of the last five ending in draws and several under 2.5 goals, pointing toward cautious, low-event games despite Craiova’s attacking home output.
• Account for away struggles in Botosani’s profile: FC Botosani have managed only sporadic points on the road in Superliga play, frequently failing to score or keep clean sheets against top-half opposition, which weakens their threat in Craiova.
• Factor in natural grass pitch consistency: The well-maintained natural grass surface at Stadionul Ion Oblemenco supports fluent play and high passing accuracy, benefiting Craiova’s possession-oriented style over Botosani’s more reactive approach.
• Monitor winter scheduling impact post-break: After the winter pause, teams like Craiova often carry momentum from pre-season wins and high-scoring league finishes, while Botosani’s inconsistent results suggest slower adaptation in early-year fixtures.

Universitatea Craiova vs FC Botosani Match Prediction

Universitatea Craiova hold clear edge here thanks to superior league position, dominant home record, and recent high-scoring displays. Despite some key injuries like Băluță and Rădulescu, their attacking depth and motivation to extend the lead should prevail against a FC Botosani side hampered by suspensions (Țigănașu, Cîmpanu) and poor away form. Head-to-head trends show tight games, but current momentum favors the hosts to control proceedings and secure victory—likely with goals given Craiova’s firepower. Expect a professional performance rather than fireworks, but home win remains the logical call. Universitatea Craiova vs FC Botosani odds reflect this favoritism, underlining value on the home side.

Our Prediction: Universitatea Craiova 2-0 FC Botosani

You can place a bet on the Universitatea Craiova vs FC Botosani match at bc.game.