Match preview: Slobozia desperate, FCSB building momentum
Unirea Slobozia return to Stadionul 1 Mai on December 15 knowing they must arrest a worrying slide. The Ialomița side sit 13th in the Superliga after 19 rounds, with just five wins and a troubling sequence of defeats that has left confidence thin. Recent results read like a cautionary tale: heavy losses away to Otelul (3-0) and a string of narrow defeats, and even at home they have struggled to find the net. Their season-long figures underline those issues — 18 goals scored against 27 conceded — and only four clean sheets to their name. Even when the home numbers look slightly better (9 goals scored, 7 conceded at Stadionul 1 Mai), form matters, and form is firmly on FCSB’s side.
FCSB arrive having shown they can deliver under pressure and produce goals in hostile environments. The Bucharest outfit occupy 10th but are playing with a sharper edge: 27 goals scored across the campaign and a recent 4-3 victory in the Europa League against Feyenoord that will have boosted morale and belief. Their latest ten-match pattern is mixed but contains more positive outcomes — four wins and three draws — and their away scoring record (18 goals) suggests they will look to assert themselves early in Slobozia. The earlier meeting this season ended 1-0 in FCSB’s favour, and bookmakers make the visitors clear favourites here.
Form, stats and what they tell us
Statistically the visitors carry the advantage. FCSB average more shots, more dangerous attacks, and create significantly more corners per game. Unirea’s attacking numbers are modest and their defensive frailties away from home have been exposed throughout the campaign. The head-to-head from August already showed FCSB can find a winning formula against these opponents. While Slobozia can defend better at home than on the road, their recent run — with only a single win and one draw in the last ten — paints a team on the back foot.
Both teams have had matches that produced goals, but the balance tilts toward FCSB controlling the tempo and producing decisive moments. For those looking to refine their approach to markets, consider reading focused advice on Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets, and remember the importance of discipline as discussed in How to have emotional control when placing bets?
Betting suggestion: FCSB to win (Away) at 1.69. The market price reflects the form gap, FCSB’s superior attacking output and recent confidence-boosting performances; back the away win with a sensible stake and manage exposure in line with your bankroll.
