Romanian League
2011-07-23 - Vointa Sibiu vs Steaua Bucuresti
A Sports Betting Pick by ROzsolt
Football: Romania: Liga 1
Venue: Stadion Municipal, Sibiu
Saturday 23th July - Kickoff time: 17:00 GMT+2
Vointa Sibiu
Sibiu, the former European Capital of Culture (2007) finally has a team in the first league after a long break. Vointa Sibiu was founded in 2007, making the step to the second league in 2010 and it took them only an year to promote to Liga 1 after winning the playoff against Sageata Navodari.
However, after taking a look on their squad and their budget I have to say that I don't give Sibiu too many chances to survive. Their budget is modest even by Liga 1 standards and after not being able to make major improvements in their squad I'm afraid that the Sibiu team won't be able to live up to their enthusiastic supporters expectations.
They kept the coach that promoted them to the first league, but he has no experience whatsoever in the first league, so if he does not pull off some good early results I don't give him more than 7-8 rounds before he is sacked.
Steaua Bucuresti
Steaua disappointed once again in the previous season, only finishing 5th, but it is starting not to count as a surprise, because Steaua has not finished on the podium since 2008, when they were runners-up.
Another agitated transfer period at Steaua, but the players that they've signed are rather modest. Their most expensive signing came from relegated Universitatea Craiova, striker Mihai Costea joining Steaua for a 1.4m euro fee.
Steaua already played an official game last week, the Romanian Supercup against league winners Otelul Galati, which they lost 1-0. Their performance was criticized by the press and supporters and it looks like Steaua won't count in the battle for the championship once again.
The Betting Verdict
As I said, there is a lot of enthusiasm in Sibiu, the people that live there love football and they will make a nice atmosphere, but I am afraid their team is not ready yet for this level. The difference between the first and second league is quite significant and Vointa Sibiu has not made important changes in their squad.
If Steaua were playing against a decent side, than I would have probably bet against them, but I can't see how Steaua could make a wrong step.
The odds are not great given Steaua's form, but I think this is the right bet on this game.
The Pick :
Vointa Sibiu 0-1 Steaua Bucuresti
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Steaua Bucuresti to win at 1.67 Bet365Confidence: 8/10
