Maribor vs Univ. Craiova Prediction & Betting Tips (25 July)

Last spring, NK Maribor failed in 2nd position in the Slovenian championship rankings, finishing a good dozen lengths behind NK Celje who were once again crowned champions. Qualified for the first round of the qualifiers for the Europa League, the club from the Slovenian capital was defeated by Botev Plovdiv 2-1 in the first leg before being held to a draw at home 2-2. Therefore, it was transferred to these playoffs for the Conference League. On the other hand, the locals got off to a good start in the league this weekend by beating Domzale 4-1.

For its part, Universitatea Craiova inherited 3rd place in the rankings of the last Romanian championship behind the country's two behemoths, FC Steaua Bucharest and CFR Cluj. This team will therefore be able to have the chance to defend its chances in these qualifiers which it will approach with a little confidence and rhythm since it has already started its championship. Held to a draw by Hermannstadt 0-0, the visitors were then able to achieve a great victory against UTA Arad last weekend 4-2.

The star of this Maribor team is none other than one of the executives of the Slovenian national team. This is the fairly experienced Ilicic (83 caps, 17 goals), who is however still on vacation after playing in the Euro in recent weeks. Top scorer in this team with 17 goals scored last year, Austrian striker Jakopovic started strong last weekend by scoring a double. The Algerian striker Soudanie (16 goals scored last year) was also not present during the first day unlike the Frenchman Redwan Bourles (ex Lorient). At the start, the striker Markovic (6 goals last year) will not be present to play this meeting.

On top of that, important midfielder Screcii and Japanese summer recruit Oshima are also on the sidelines at the start of the season. The only tricolor in the squad, Lyes Houri (ex Bastia and Valenciennes) is present in the same way as last year's top scorer, Mitrita, who scored 16 times and delivered 13 assists last year. Midfielder Baiaram (8 goals last year) and striker Ivan (7 goals) will also be present in the group.