Only the 3rd stage of the season, and a bad step here would distance Steaua even more from the 1st place. Second placed last year Steaua had a tough start to the season meeting two ambitious teams Vaslui and Brasov. They lost the first away at Vaslui 1-0 and won with a 89th minute goal 2-1 with Fc Brasov at their own stadium. In both matches Steaua had most of the possesion with their opponents trying a counter-attack style game, the same will happen in this match today. Plesan is missing, his replacement is Thiago, who has to confirm. Another missing is that of defensive midfielder Ovidiu Petre, who will be rested for the double leg in CL with Galatasaray. Radoi is his replacement, he will leave Ghionea and Goian in the center of the defence. These 3 players are of national team level, and they make the best defence in Romania alongside last year's best goalkeeper Zapata. Zapata conceded 2 easy goals so far, but 3 matches in a row with silly mistakes seems too much. The left midfielder Banel Nicolita has been poor lately and will be replaced on the left side with Neaga, but I don't see this move with good eyes as he's more of a striker, and will not give the best he has to offer on this position.
About Poli Iasi I have to say they look like strong contenders for the drop, the team lacks quality up-front, they hardly created any chances to score in 2 matches so far, and the only goal against Vaslui was after a fast taken free-kick from 30m which surprised the goalkeeper. Their main strengt, the defence, is also suffering as captain Onut is injured, and will be replaced by Ciobanu, player who showed in last 2 matches he is too old for this level. The other central defender Munteanu also lacks quality for this level, and proof are the many chances Craiova and Vaslui created after defensive blunders. New signings have failed to help the team, and 4 changes are announced for this match. The striker will be C.Tanasa, he likes receiving tall balls but against Steaua's defenders, his name will be rarely pronounced by the commentator. Iasi are counting on a 3 defensive midfielders formation, but despite the coach's effort to keep Steaua from scoring, the central of defence looks very vulnerable in the air, and Steaua has Arthuro as the lone man in the attack, a tall and powerful Brasilian with a good header. He just scored his first goal with brasov and will look to add some more up his tally.
Given these reasons, everything points out to a away win, even if it will mean a narrow 1-0 win. Iasi can only be dangerous from set pieces, but right now Iasi players lack morale and talent to play a balanced match with Steaua like last year.
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