Arges Pitesti vs Universitatea Craiova Prediction
Home Advantage Could Be Key in Tight Liga I Clash
Preview
Right then, let's have a proper look at this one. Arges Pitesti versus Universitatea Craiova - two sides sitting pretty in the top half of Liga I, separated by just two points. Arges are 5th with 27 points, while Craiova sit 4th with 29. This could be a proper cracker!
Now, Arges have been decent at home lately. They're averaging 2 goals per game on their own patch and only letting in 0.5 - that's some proper defensive solidity, that is. They've had some decent results too, beating Unirea Slobozia 1-0 away and Metaloglobus 3-2 in the cup. They did lose 2-0 to Rapid, but let's be fair, Rapid are flying high at the top of the table.
Craiova, on the other hand, have been a bit hit and miss recently. Only 1.30 points per game from their last ten matches ain't great for a team chasing Europe. They just lost 1-2 at home to Uta Arad, which is a bit worrying. Their away form in the league shows they're only scoring 1 goal per game - not exactly terrorising defenses, are they?
Here's where it gets interesting though. The head-to-head shows Craiova have generally had the better of Arges, winning 6 of the 9 meetings. BUT, and this is a big but, Arges have won 3 of the 4 matches played at home against them. That's a 75% home win rate! The last time they met, Craiova won 3-1, but that was on neutral ground.
Looking at the stats, Craiova like to have more of the ball (56% vs 41%) and take more shots, but their away shot accuracy is only 19.8% - shocking stuff, really. Arges might have fewer shots, but they're more clinical at home.
The bookies have Craiova as favorites at 2.10, but I reckon that's a bit off. Arges are strong at home, Craiova are struggling away, and the home record in this fixture is excellent for Arges. Plus, Craiova have been busy in Europe, which might leave them a bit tired.
Both teams have been pretty tight defensively recently, and the goal numbers suggest this won't be a goal fest. Arges only concede 0.5 at home, Craiova only score 1.0 away. That points towards a low-scoring affair.