Universitatea Craiova vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva prediction, preview, team news and more | UEFA Europa Conference League playoffs 2022-23

Universitatae Craiova will host Hapoel Be'er Sheva at the Stadionul Municipal in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League playoffs on Thursday.

The hosts come into the game off a narrow 1-0 home victory over Mioveni in the Romanian Liga 1 on Sunday. Andrei Ivan's strike seven minutes before the break proved to be the difference between the two teams.

Before that, they secured progress to the Conference League playoffs with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Zorya Luhansk. They overcame a 1-0 away deficit with a comfortable 3-0 victory in the second leg.

Beer Sheva, meanwhile, booked their spot at this stage of the competition with a 5-1 aggregate win over Swiss outfit Lugano. They claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory away from home and completed the job with a 3-0 home win in the second leg.

Universitatea Craiova vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva Head-to-Head

This will be the first competitive meeting between the two teams. Craiova have rebounded from losing consecutive games and are on a three-game winning run.

Be'er Sheva, meanwhile, have won all five of their competitive fixtures across competitions this season.

Universitatea Craiova form guide (all competitions): W-W-W-L-L

Hapoel Be'er Sheva form guide (all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Universitatea Craiova vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva Team News

Universitatea Craiova

There are no known injury or suspension concerns for the hosts.

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Unavailable: None.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva

Roei Gordana is the only injury concern for the visitors.

Injured: Roei Gordana

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Unavailable: None

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Universitatea Craiova vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva Predicted XIs

Universitatea Craiova (4-5-1): David Lazar (GK); Nicusor Bancu, Raul da Silva, Paul Papp, Vladimir Screciu; Andrei Ivan, Alexandru Mateiu, Stefan Baiaram, Alexandru Cretu, Sergiu Hanca; Elvir Koljic

Hapoel Be'er Sheva (4-3-3): Omri Glazer (GK); Helder Lopes, Eitan Tibi, Miguel Vitor, Or Dadya; Hatem Elhamed, Andre Martins, Lucas Bareiro; Eugene Ansah, Astrit Selmani, Tomer Yosefi

Universitatea Craiova vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva Prediction

Universitatea are slight favourites, but Beer Sheva's impressive start to the season means they'll fancy their chances in the game.

The two teams are relatively defensive-minded and are unlikely to go all out in attack. Home advantage gives Craiova a slight edge, so the Romanians could emerge with a narrow victory.

Prediction: Universitatea Craiova 1-0 Hapoel Be'er Sheva

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Elvis has been a Super Eagles fan since 2004, and them beating defending champions Cameroon in the AFCON that year left a lasting impact on him. He supports Sporting Lagos at club level and loves to watch games live at the Onikan Stadium due to its buzzing atmosphere. His favorite football players are former Nigerian forward, Osaze Odemwingie and former Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez.

If Elvis could change one football rule, it would be to not be booked for celebrating with pitch side fans. He believes that football is a passionate game and celebrations should be encouraged to the fullest. When not analyzing the latest previews, Elvis indulges in activities such as swimming, reading, and karaoke.

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Edited by Bhargav