Universitatea Craiova will look to build on their blistering autumn form and defend an unbeaten UEFA Conference League record when they welcome also unbeaten Albanian champions Egnatia.
Match News and Current Form
After exiting last season's Conference League league phase with just two wins from six (D1, L3), Craiova have made a much stronger start this term, with a 3-1 victory over Inter Escaldes last time out giving them four points from their opening two games. That positive European start reflects Craiova’s sparkling overall form, having won ten of their 12 competitive matches since the beginning of September (D2) while keeping seven clean sheets along the way. They could also set a new club benchmark here of scoring in eight straight major European games, having found the net in seven such fixtures to match their all-time record set between 1973 and 1977.
Much like in their opener, Egnatia scored first but couldn’t hold on for the win to draw 1-1 with Aarhus on the second matchday, but they should still be pleased with their performance in their first-ever appearance in the main draw of a UEFA competition. Extending their unbeaten start could prove difficult though, as Egnatia have failed to win any of their last six away matches in Europe (D4, L2) since last year’s success against Dinamo Minsk in the qualifiers. Their recent away form isn’t bright either as the Albanian champions have picked up just three victories from ten road trips across all competitions this season (D2, L5), albeit they have scored in 14 consecutive away matches!
Head-to-Head History
This is the first major European clash between Romanian and Albanian clubs since the 1990/91 UEFA Cup first round, when Universitatea Craiova defeated Partizani Tirana 1-0 in both the home and away legs.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Craiova have failed to score in just one of their last 18 home matches.
Craiova have kept a first-half clean sheet in six consecutive home outings.
Ten of Egnatia’s last 11 away matches saw both teams score.
Egnatia have conceded more than once in just two of their last 11 outings.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Craiova’s forward Ștefan Baiaram is known for striking early, with nine of his last 13 competitive goals arriving in the first half. Ildi Gruda has scored both of the club's goals in this Conference League campaign, and another strike here would see him equal the highest tally by an Albanian player in a single European season this century. He often pounces early too, with four of his last six goals arriving inside the opening 30 minutes.
Craiova remain without winger Monday Etim, while Egnatia will have to make do without recently sidelined defender Eljon Sota.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Given Craiova’s recent strong home form, while keeping six first-half clean sheets in a row at home, backing Craiova to win the first half looks like a strong selection.
Author: Tomáš Vlasák