Soccer – Romania 1:Astra Ploiesti vs FC Brasov -by vercingetori

Soccer – Romania 1
Astra Ploiesti – FC Brasov
pick: Astra to win
odds: 2,6
bookie: Gamebookers

Astra is one of the nicest teams from the league. They had played some quality football, despite being considered as relegation contenders. At home, they are a force to be considered, losing only one game, in the first round of the championship. In the meantime, Rapid, Steaua and Dinamo came to Ploiesti, with only Dinamo being able to snatch a point. Their main problem was the limited rooster, having problems everytime one of the regulars was injured, due to the lack of quality replacement players. In the winter break, they have signed no less than 7 South American players. I can’t judge their value as it’s to early in the season, but one thing is sure: they will add a lot of depth to the squad. Also, they managed to extend Liviu Ganea’s loan from Dinamo, an important asset for the team. They have lost only Paun and Miranda in the winter break (loan contracts terminated) so the team only needs to implement the South Americans now. Last round they convincingly won 2-0 at Pandurii, after controlling the game with ease. Left back Eugen Craciun is suspended, this being the only missing for Astra before today’s game.

Brasov is a typical home team by Romanian standards. They won only 2 games away from home this season, against relegation candidates Unirea Alba Iulia and International. Their main strength is at home when they simply suffocate their opponents. Brasov signed only one player in the winter break, Peruvian midfielder Landauri Ventura, but it’s too early to make an impression about him. They played a bad game last week, still winning 2-1 against Unirea Alba Iulia, but mainly because Unirea’s problems at the back. Brasov’s players looked without enthusiasm, their midfield was lazy and the defence was a dreamy one. Stelian Stancu still needs time to gel with his team mates, while Ezequias played like a typical Brazilian after the winter break: bad. For today, they will miss central defender Abrudan, who will be replaced by veteran Nae Constantin. Also, another important missing will be Dani Coman, the regular goalkeeper, as his replacement Minca is anything but reliable.

Astra’s coach Nicolo Napoli masterminded a solid team at Ploiesti. In the summer, he was for almost two weeks Brasov’s coach so he managed to know all the players, this giving the edge to Astra. Brasov looked very bad last round, looking like they want to focus for the Romanian Cup, this giving then a quicker entry to Europa League. I believe Astra will have the edge here but, for a much safer bet, i recommend to use the DNB option. Good luck!