Romanian side Universitatea Craiova welcome Mainz to the Ion Oblemenco Stadium ahead of Thursday's Europa Conference League clash.
The White-Blues are looking to win successive European main draw games for the first time since 1990, while Mainz will be determined to continue their perfect start to their Conference League campaign.
Can the hosts prevail in Thursday's clash, or will Mainz continue with perfection? Read our Universitatea Craiova vs Mainz prediction and preview to find out, but don't forget to also check out some of our other Europa Conference League predictions.
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Universitatea Craiova vs Mainz prediction: Big challenge for hosts
Key Stats
- Craiova have scored in each of their last 16 home matches.
- Just one of Mainz’s last eight games was decided by more than a one-goal margin.
- Mainz have won all three of their Conference League matches
Correct score prediction: Universitatea Craiova 1-3 Mainz
Craiova are chasing a history-making win on the European stage, but ending their 35-year wait for successive wins on the continent will not be easy.
Mainz might be struggling in the Bundesliga, but their record in Europe is nothing short of sensational. On top of that, the German outfit boast a lot more quality in their squad, and they will be looking to utilise this on Thursday night.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Mainz backed to win
- HOME: 33/10 (4.30) – 23.30%
- DRAW: 11/4 (3.75) – 26.70%
- AWAY: 3/4 (1.75) – 57.1%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
It's clear from these Universitatea Craiova vs Mainz odds that the bookies expect a win for the away team.
Nevertheless, if you liked our predictions for this game, remember to also check our betting tips for today.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting on the cards
Mainz are not exactly regulars on the European stage. With that in mind, it is no surprise that their meeting with Universitatea Craiova will be their first in a competitive setting.
Universitatea Craiova preview: Managerial chaos
It has been a busy few weeks for Universitatea Craiova, as Filipe Coelho replaced departing head coach Mirel Radoi. Craiova won their first game under the new boss, and they will now be looking for more.
On the injury front, Carlos Mora has a muscle problem and he is expected to remain on the sidelines. Mihnea Radulescu, meanwhile, has been struggling with a knee problem.
Predicted lineup: Isenko (GK), Badelj, Rus, Romanchuk, Bancu, Mekvabishvili, Baluta, Matei, Etim, Baiaram & Al Hamlawi
Last five matches
- FC Arges 1-2 Craiova (SuperLiga)
- Craiova 1-2 UTA Arad (SuperLiga)
- Rapid Wien 0-1 Craiova (UECL)
- Craiova 2-2 Rapid Bucuresti (SuperLig)
- Sanararea Cluj 1-4 Craiova (Romanian Cup)
Mainz preview: Living the European dream
Mainz are in the midst of an extraordinary campaign, which consists of a sensational European run as well as a depressing domestic effort.
Manager Bo Henriksen heads into Thursday with a couple of injury worries. Anthony Caci, for example, has struggled with a thigh injury while Youngster Maxim Dal recovers from a knee problem.
Predicted lineup: Zentner (GK), Kohr, Maloney, Hanche-Olsen, Widmer, Sano, Amiri, Mwene, Lee, Nebel & Hollerbach
Last five matches
- Mainz 1-1 Hoffenheim (Bundesliga)
- Frankfurt 1-0 Mainz (Bundesliga)
- Mainz 2-1 Fiorentina (UECL)
- Mainz 1-1 Bremen (Bundesliga)
- Mainz 0-2 Stuttgart (DFB Pokal)
Player to watch: Oleksandr Romanchuk
