Rapid Bucureşti vs CFR Cluj Prediction: Both sides looking for a first-win

Rapid Bucureşti and CFR Cluj will both aim to secure their first championship group win when they face off at the Superbet Arena-Giulești on Saturday. Below are previews, possible starting 11, expert betting tips, and odds.

WDWLL

Rapid Bucureşti head into this clash after suffering two successive losses, first a 2-1 defeat against Farul followed by another 2-1 loss against Univ. Craiova. Despite controlling the tempo of the game against Univ. Craiova with 60% possession and 18 goal attempts, Rapid Bucureşti were unlucky. They have won only 1 game in their last 4 outings. Rapid Bucureşti currently sit 4th on the table with 28 points, level with 3rd-placed CFR Cluj.

DDWLD

CFR Cluj come into this clash following a disappointing 4-0 exit from the domestic cup, where they were defeated by lower division side Hunedoara. The match saw Cluj's Panagiotis Tachtsidis receive a red card in the 11th minute, likely impacting the team's performance. This loss extends CFR Cluj's winless streak to 3 games in all competitions. Currently, they sit 3rd in the championship group with 28 points, trailing table-toppers FCSB by 10 points.

Rapid Bucureşti – Mihai Aioani, Christopher Braun, Iulian Cristea, Paul Iacob, Andrei Borza, Jakub Hromada, Damjan Djokovic, Funsho Bamgboye, Florent Hasani, Jayson Papeau, Albion Rrahmani.

CFR Cluj – Razvan Sava, Cristian Manea, Vasile Mogos, Matija Boben, Camora, Karlo Muhar, Kader Keita, Durel Avounou, Ciprian Ioan Deac, Peter Michael, Philip Otele.

Both sides have yet to secure a win in the two championship group games played, and they currently sit level on points with 28 each. Given their similar form, I expect this match to result in a draw with few goals scored.

• HT: X for 2.10 odds
• Under 2.5 for 1.80 odds
• FT: X for 3.40 odds