Universitatea Craiova vs Mainz Predictions, Lineups and Betting Tips

Universitatea Craiova vs Mainz Predictions, Lineups and Betting Tips

Match Details: Thursday 27 November | Complex Sportiv Cariova | Europa Conference League | 17:45 GMT

Round 4 of Uefa's newest continental competiton commences tonight as Mainz travel to Romania to face Universitatea Craiova in the Conference League (yes that name is horrible to type). The German side have been solid defensively in Europe and have reaped the benefits of it, conceding just one and sitting pretty in third, whilst the Romanian side are just about in the qualifying spots scoring two and conceding three, leaving them with 4 points in 20th. It'll be a real test of character for Mainz, although they aren't massive favourites, a win would be expected to continue a fine run of form outside of the Bundesliga.

**Key Betting Tips:**Mainz to win at 1.75 odds on BoyleSports represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our team of in-house tipsters.

Alternatively, both teams to not score provides good value at 2.05 due to Mainz's solid defence in the Conference League, and with their strong league position coming up against a much weaker opponent, a cruising victory should be the aim for the Germans.

Universitatea Craiova vs Mainz Score Prediction

Universitatea Craiova 0-1 Mainz

Mainz have struggled in the Bundesliga massively this season, finding themselves second from bottom in 17th, with just one win in 11 matches. This hasn't dulled their spirit as they seem to shine in Europe, winning by small margains each time, proving that defence wins you games. The sheer difference in quality between the sides and recent run of form provides us with a solid prediction of one, a low scoring game, and two, a Mainz win.

Universitatea Craiova vs Mainz Team Stat Attack

Universitatea Craiova:

• 3 wins in their last 5 matches
• 10 goals scored in their last 5 matches
• Have scored the second least goals in the competition (2)
• Have the third lowest xG created in the competition (2.60)

Mainz:

• 1 win in their last 6 matches (2-1 vs Fiorentina)
• 0 wins at home in six league matches
• Second least goals conceded in the competition (1)
• The fourth highest xG created in the competition (6.80)
• The fourth lowest xG conceded in the competiton (2.10)

Universitatea Craiova vs Mainz Recent Form Analysis

To say that the Romanian side have struggled in Europe would be a bit undermining for a club in their first ever European competition, compared to some of the bigger and more experienced sides, as they have held their own, defeating Rapid Wien in their most recent outing in the Conference League. A draw to FC Noah at home occured in gameweek 2, in a game they are arguably favourites for, but was played off the pitch at times, managing ten less shots and 0.68 less xG. They look ahead to this fixture with high hopes, but it'll have to be an impressive underdog story to walk away with the three points.

Mainz are what they call, two-faced. They show aggression and come away with the wins in Europe, but can't seem to replicate it domestically, largly due to the skill difference between first divison German sides, and teams from a more lower-end division in terms of skill level internationally. Their last and only win domestically came against Augsburg which was away from home, which saw Mainz score four goals in a 4-1 triumph, but a win here could really boost spirits ahead of an away clash with mid-table Freiburg, but all of thei previous wins in Europe have swiftly followed with a loss the very next game.

This will be the first time these sides face eachother, but who will solidify their names as victorious in the history books, or will we see a level-ended game come 90 minutes? It's unlikely, but it's football, so no one can predict anything 100%.

Universitatea Craiova Recent Matches

• FC Arges Pitesti 1-2 Universitatea Craiova (A) Liga I
• Universitatea Craiova 1-2 UTA Arad (H) Liga I
• Rapid Wien 0-1 Universitatea Craiova (A) Conference League
• Universitatea Craiova 2-2 Rapid Burcuresti (H) Liga I
• CS Santatea Servicii Publice Cluj 1-4 Universitatea Craiova (A) Liga I

Cariova are known to ship goals easily this season, with Mainz hoping to exploit their defence troubles, but not get caught out by their goal scoring threat.

Mainz Recent Matches

• Mainz 1-1 Hoffenheim (H) Bundesliga
• Frankfurt 1-0 Mainz (A) Bundesliga
• Mainz 2-1 Fiorentina (H) Conference League
• Mainz 1-1 Werder Bremen (H) Bundesliga
• Mainz 0-2 VfB Stuttgart (H) DFB Pokal

Plenty of defeats for Mainz this season and their recent form perfectly sums up a dreadful season domestically, but the same can't be said for the Conference, as they're flying

Universitatea Craiova vs Mainz Betting Tips

Football Park's Best Bet: Mainz to win @ 1.75. Our team of in-house experts has priced Mainz to walk away victors in this European battle, suggested by their strong defensive form, and their away record being a key attribute they can pride themselves on, picking up their only Bundesliga win away, and announcing themselves with a 1-0 win on the opening night of the Conference league on the road.

Key Player to Watch

Nadiem Amiri: Amiri has been the standout player for Mainz and will be one to watch ahead of this fixture, as he's scored once in his two matches in the Conference, three in the Bundesliga, and one in the DFB Pokal, amounting to seven goals and two assists in 17 matches, including the Conference League qualifiers. An aggressive player, the German midfielder isn't afraid of taking a pop at goal proven by his goal tally, even with playing in a deeper position as two CAM's and a striker play ahead of him, creating 0.94 expected goals in the competition, placing him in the top 4% of players in a similar position. He hasn't been disposessed even once in his two European appearances, and won possession three times in the final third, raking him highly once again. His work rate can be a real problem for the Romanian side, and his overall passion could result in a goal or two for the 29-year-old.

Universitatea Craiova vs Mainz Match Information

Referee: Information Unavailable

Stadium: Complex Sportiv Craiova holds 30,983 seats for the Romanian side.

Broadcast: Information Unavailable

Time: 17:45 GMT

Event: UEFA Conference League Round 4