Preview: Universitatea Craiova vs Mainz – prediction, team news and lineups

Romanian powerhouse Universitatea Craiova will be looking to make history on Thursday night when they welcome Mainz to the Ion Oblemenco Stadium for a tasty Europa Conference League clash.

The White-Blues are looking to secure back-to-back European main draw wins for the first time since 1990, while Mainz will be hoping to maintain their perfect start to their continental campaign.

Match preview

It has been a stormy few weeks for Universitatea Craiova, who were forced to find a new head coach following the shocking departure of Mirel Radoi.

The 44-year-old won just three of his last 11 games but officially threw in the towel following a 2-1 defeat to UTA Arad – a decision which marked the end of his 10-month spell at the club.

Portuguese coach Filipe Coelho was appointed as Radoi’s successor during the international break, and the new boss marked the start of his latest coaching journey with a 2-1 victory over FC Arges.

Coelho now has an opportunity to make some serious history at the club. Craiova picked up a 1-0 victory over Rapid Wien in their last European outing, meaning they are now on the hunt for consecutive main draw continental victories – something they have not accomplished since 1990.

© Imago / Jan Huebner

While Craiova are chasing history, Mainz will be looking to maintain perfection.

The German outfit have won all three of their league phase matches so far, including a 2-1 success against Serie A giants Fiorentina almost a month ago.

Bo Henriksen and his men are certainly exceeding expectations on the continent, but this has taken a huge toll on their domestic campaign – one which could land them in serious trouble.

Following the opening 11 rounds of the Bundesliga this season, Mainz find themselves with six measly points and one win under their belts – a run which leaves Die Nullfunfer in real danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.

Mainz earned one of those points last weekend when they scored a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim, and they will now be looking to build some momentum with yet another win on the European stage.

Universitatea Craiova Conference League form:

L D W 

Universitatea Craiova form (all competitions):

D W D W L W 

Mainz Conference League form:

W W W 

Mainz form (all competitions):

L L D W L D 

Team News

© Imago / Nordphoto

Coelho will be missing a couple of names ahead of Thursday’s Europa Conference League encounter, though the new boss still has a strong side at his disposal.

Carlos Mora missed last weekend’s victory due to a muscle injury, and he is expected to remain on the sidelines.

Mihnea Radulescu, on the other hand, has been struggling with a knee problem for the last couple of months, and he is also expected to play no part in Thursday’s outing.

Forward Monday Etim has not been blessed with much action, yet he has chipped in with four goals across his last 264 minutes of action.

The 26-year-old is capable of causing problems, and he will be looking to continue his impressive form against Mainz.

Speaking of the German outfit, Henriksen is dealing with a couple of injury problems in his squad.

Anthony Caci, for instance, has struggled with a thigh injury for the last couple of months and has not competed since a 4-1 win over Augsburg.

Youngster Maxim Dal will join him on the sidelines as he continues to recover from a knee problem which has plagued his campaign.

Universitatea Craiova possible starting lineup:

Isenko; Badelj, Rus, Romanchuk; Bancu, Mekvabishvili, Baluta, Matei, Etim; Baiaram, Al Hamlawi

Mainz possible starting lineup:

Zentner; Kohr, Maloney, Hanche-Olsen; Widmer, Sano, Amiri, Mwene; Lee, Nebel; Hollerbach

We say: Universitatea Craiova 1-3 Mainz

Craiova are looking to claim a historic victory on the European stage, but that will be a lot easier said than done.

Mainz are in sensational form on the continent, and we are backing them to continue that impressive trend away in Romania.