TFT Issue 166!
FreeHowdy guys and girls!
Absolutely dire yesterday – really pisses me off when I see stuff like that. Let’s hope today is better.
Featured game
Petrolul Ploiesti vs Otelul Galati – away win at 9/10.
Today’s featured game is the Liga game between Petrolul Ploiesti and Otelul Galati in Romania.
First of all, this game is at a neutral venue as Petrolul’s stadium is not ready yet. Subsequently, the game is played in Buzau and thus there is no home advantage here.
Secondly, Petrolul are massively short on quality. They worked very hard pre-season as they attempted to bring in some quality but largely failed. They’ve bolstered their numbers, which will certainly help them, but they just lack everything from firepower to experience to composure. The best player they signed is Nicolae Mitea, whom you may recall from his days at AFC Ajax Amsterdam. He can be a good player on his day but it’s been some time since he had “his day”, really. Who else is there, really – ex-Steaua Bucharest winger Oprita? Ex-Pandurii Targu Jiu attacker Apostu? It’s just not good enough. They may attain some points against similar quality sides but reigning champions Otelul Galati really should have too much for them today.
Otelul Galati were very clever following their somewhat unexpected success last season in the sense that they didn’t really lose anyone; just squad rotation striker Borbely to Azeri outfit Khazar Lenkoran. However, they did strengthen their squad with the additions of experienced midfielder Frunza from Rapid Bucharest and ex-Club Brugge hitman Chavez from Peru, who has devastating pace and should be a very useful asset for Galati. Otelul were a nightmare to play against last year because of their excellent organisation and efficiency. Given that their squad from last year is still here this year, you can only assume that they’re even stronger and they certainly demonstrated that against Steaua Bucharest in the Romanian Super Cup just over a week ago, winning 1-0 and never really looking troubled by their more illustrious opponents. Otelul Galati actually helped out today’s opponents Petrolul Ploiesti by loaning Milea, Petean, and Sipovic to them pre-season. I don’t know for sure but you have to assume that they’re not allowed to play in this game and even if they are – I can’t see the “hosts” being hellbent on beating Otelul after such an act of generosity.
Either way, I think we’re in for an Otelul victory today. I don’t usually back Otelul away from home but this is on a neutral venue and they’re simply a lot better than the side they’re facing. Therefore, the away win at 9/10 has a lot of value, for me.
Verdict: Otelul Galati to win at 9/10.