Romanian League
2011-04-22 - Astra Ploiesti vs Rapid Bucuresti
A Sports Betting Pick by ROzsolt
Football: Romanian Liga 1
Venue: Stadion Astra, Ploiesti
Friday 22th April – Kickoff time: 20:00 GMT+2
Astra Ploiesti (8th W-8 D-13 L-6)
Astra just lost for the first time in 2011, after 8 consecutive games without a defeat. The travel to Turnu Severin to face Pandurii proved to be the one that ended their run, but they have the excuse of meeting a team in excellent form as well.
The team from Ploiesti sits on the top half of the table, mainly because their excellent home record. Astra won 6 of their previous 7 home games, all to nil! The only team that got away with 1 points was CFR Cluj, scoring a 88th minute goal.
Even though their chances to catch an European position this season are quite small, Astra will look to improve on their home dominance and maybe next season to set a more daring target, because they are one of the few teams that has no financial issues.
Astra’s home form:
13.04.2011 Liga 1 Etapa 26 Astra Ploiesti 1 - 0 Sportul Studentesc
10.04.2011 Liga 1 Etapa 25 Astra Ploiesti 1 - 0 Steaua
01.04.2011 Liga 1 Etapa 23 Astra Ploiesti 2 - 0 Victoria Branesti
14.03.2011 Liga 1 Etapa 21 Astra Ploiesti 1 - 1 CFR Cluj
28.02.2011 Liga 1 Etapa 19 Astra Ploiesti 1 - 0 Gloria Bistrita
Rapid Bucuresti (5th W-12 D-9 L-6)
Rapid is the team that put an end to a great run by FC Timisoara, the team that lost for the first time this season. Rapid, once again proved that they are probably the best side when playing at home.
However, I cannot say the same thing about their performances on the road, their away record being rather poor. They’ve only won three times in 13 games and have a negative goal balance, scoring 11 and conceding 14 goals.
There is never silence within Rapid’s squad, this time one of their best players left the team and probably won’t come back after he received permission from FIFA to leave for not receiving his salary. Juliano Spadacio missed only 2 games since he’s playing for Rapid, playing a total of 93 games in Rapid’s shirt. He was one of the best players from the league and his absence will be a huge blow for Rapid.
He won’t be the only absence, as right back Rui Duarte is suspended while strikers Cassio, Sburlea and Cesinha are all injured.
Rapid’s away form:
4.04.2011 Liga 1 Etapa 26 Victoria Branesti 0 - 0 Rapid
07.04.2011 Liga 1 Etapa 24 CFR Cluj 0 - 1 Rapid
18.03.2011 Liga 1 Etapa 22 Gloria Bistrita 3 - 2 Rapid
05.03.2011 Liga 1 Etapa 20 Otelul Galati 1 - 0 Rapid
05.12.2010 Liga 1 Etapa 18 FC Vaslui 1 - 1 Rapid
