ML Vitebsk vs Universitatea Craiova prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis

Both teams expected to score

Author:

Benjamin Mcneil, betting expert

Published: 05 Jul 2026, 04:37

Tournament Champions League

Date & kick-off time 08 jul 2026, 13:00

In the Champions League qualification round of 16 on July 8, 2026, the first match between ML Vitebsk and Universitatea Craiova will take place. Both sides are aiming for a successful start.

ML Vitebsk vs Universitatea Craiova: Team News and Expert Analysis

The club from Vitebsk, having finished second in their domestic Premier League, immediately claimed the championship title. Their title defense did not start badly, but in June, Adiev left his post. Without him, they managed a couple of wins, but Dinamo Minsk are currently ahead in the standings.

The Craiova team returned to the top spot last season for the first time since 1990. They also secured their first cup in five years. In recent friendlies, they opened with a 1-1 draw against Sabah, followed by a 4-3 shootout win over Polesye.

The Belarusians are currently averaging 2.14 goals scored per match while conceding only 0.93. The Romanians had similar stats last season: averaging 1.63 goals scored and 0.83 conceded per match.

Previous Matches: ML Vitebsk vs Universitatea Craiova

This will be the first head-to-head encounter between the teams.

Both clubs have their strengths. Our tip: both teams to score (odds – 1.73).

ML Vitebsk vs Universitatea Craiova: Key Stats and Trends

• ML Vitebsk have won their last two matches
• 64% of Vitebsk's matches end with both teams scoring, with an average total of 3.07 goals per game
• Universitatea Craiova have drawn three of their last four matches in regular time
• 43% of Universitatea Craiova's matches end with both teams scoring, with an average total of 2.45 goals per game

ML Vitebsk vs Universitatea Craiova: Probable Starting Lineups

ML Vitebsk are expected to use a 1-4-3-3 formation (probable lineup): Pavlyuchenko - Moskalenchik, Gomanov, Baranok, Skibsky - Mesarovich, Abdullahi, Lisakovich, Glushkov - Diabate, Kontsevoy

Universitatea Craiova are expected to use a 1-3-4-3 formation (probable lineup): Popescu - Rus, Romanchuk, Screciu - Bancu, Cicâldău, Mekvabishvili, Mora - Bayaram, Mate, Al-Hamlawi

Follow the Champions League qualification standings and check your team’s form before placing your next bet

Our Pick

Game Prediction Both teams to score - Yes

1.73

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Benjamin Mcneil

betting expert

He is an analyst in the world of football who doesn't mind adding to his budget with a lucky bet, something he has been doing for the last 10 years. I don't believe in luck, but I believe that the motivation of the opponents and their kit plays a big role, and any sensation is explainable. I prefer to play cautiously, because it is better to win 5 out of 5 bets at odds of 1.6-1.7 than to lose 2 out of 3 bets at odds of 2.2.

WinRate WinRate (%) for the last 30 days 49

Avr. Coef. Avr. Coef. for the last 30 days 1.72

Void Voided bets (postponements, cancellations, etc.) in the last 30 days 80

Won/total Performance for the last 30 days 142 / 288

Active tips 48

Form