FC Botoșani and FCSB are set to clash, marking the opening of the third stage of the play-out at 20:30. The match is a battle for the top position in the play-out.
Standings and Implications
The two teams are separated by three points in the standings. FCSB leads with 27 points, while FC Botoșani sits in third place with 24 points. UTA is between them with 25 points.
A win for FCSB would strengthen their position at the top of the play-out table. FC Botoșani could equal their rival’s points total with a victory.
Team Lineups
FC BOTOȘANI (4-2-3-1): Kukic – Suta, Miron (cpt.), Diaw, Creț – Papa, Petro – Adams, Ongenda, Mitrov – Mailat.
Reserves: Tomache – Țigănașu, Ilaș, Bordeianu, E. David, Pănoiu, Aldair, Bota, Limas, Bodișteanu, Dumiter.
Absentees: Kovtaliuk (suspended), Anestis (injured).
Coach: Marius Croitoru
FCSB (4-3-3): M. Popa – Pantea, Duarte, Dawa, J. Paulo – F. Tănase, Lixandru, Olaru (cpt.) – Miculescu, Thiam, Cisotti.
Reserves: Târnovanu, Zima – V. Crețu, Graovac, M. Popescu, Chiricheș, Ngezana, Radunovic, Oct. Popescu, Alhassan, Al. Stoian, D. Popa.
Absentees: Arad, Cercel, Bîrligea (injured).
Coach: Mirel Rădoi
Manager’s Thoughts
Marius Croitoru, the FC Botoșani coach, acknowledged the difficulty of the match. He believes his players can win with the right attitude and dedication, just as they did in the autumn.
Mirel Rădoi, the FCSB coach, noted that FC Botoșani plays more organised defensively since Marius’s arrival. He also mentioned some problems with certain players and is awaiting updates from the medical department.
Stadium and Officials
The match will be held at Stadionul Municipal in Botoșani.
The referee is George Roman, assisted by George Neacșu and Radu Ghiciulescu. The VAR referee is Adrian Cojocaru, assisted by Claudiu Marcu.
Home and Away Records
- FC Botoșani have recorded eight wins, five draws, and three losses at home in the current championship.
- FCSB have won six and drawn four of their 15 away matches this season.
Marius Croitoru said, “I want to win for the boys.”