The Matchday 4 clash in the 2025/26 Europa Conference League group stage between Universitatea Craiova (Romania) and Mainz (Germany) will take place on November 27 at the Ion Oblemenco Stadium. Universitatea Craiova vs. Mainz: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Universitatea Craiova
In the last round, the team secured an away victory over Rapid (1-0). The Romanians have avoided defeat in 4 of their last 5 matches in the Conference League (3 wins, 1 draw), although they have kept a clean sheet in only one of these games. However, Universitatea has found the net in 9 of their last 10 Conference League encounters. In the standings, Felipe Coelho’s side occupies the 20th position.
- The club has opened the scoring in 6 of their last 8 Conference League games.
- At home, the team is unbeaten in 9 Conference League matches (6 wins, 3 draws).
- In 8 of their last 9 home games in this tournament, Universitatea has not conceded more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Universitatea Craiova (4-3-3)
Pavel Isenko – Adrian Rus, Nicușor Bancu, Alexandru Romanchuk, Juraj Badelj – Alexandru Cicâldău, Anzor Mekvabishvili, Samuel Teles – Carlos Mora, Assad Al-Hamlawi, Steven Nsimba.
Mainz
The victory in the last round over Fiorentina (2-1) marked the Germans' fourth consecutive win in the Conference League, with the team scoring even in the only lost match, which was during the qualifiers. In the standings, Bo Henriksen’s side holds the third spot with a perfect record. However, the club has the poorest scoring record among the top 8 in the main stage. Additionally, Mainz has avoided defeat in 6 of their last 7 international fixtures (5 wins, 1 draw).
- The Germans have opened the scoring in 4 of their 5 Conference League matches.
- Away from home, the team has not won in 5 of their last 7 European matches (2 draws, 3 losses).
- In 6 of their last 7 away games on the international stage, the club has not scored more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Mainz (3-4-3)
Robin Zentner – Philipp Mwene, Danny da Costa, Kacper Potulski – Dominik Kohr, Paul Nebel, Lennard Maloney, Sota Kawasaki – Armindo Sieb, Nelson Weiper, Nadim Amiri.
Defender Anthony Caci will miss the match due to injury.
Referee
Dario Bel (Croatia)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25 - 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 36;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.1;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 14%.
Match Prediction: Universitatea Craiova vs. Mainz
Including the qualifiers, the Romanians have played 9 matches in the current Conference League campaign, suffering only 3 defeats (5 wins, 1 draw). Notably, Felipe Coelho’s side has only lost away from home. At home, Universitatea has yet to taste defeat in this tournament. It's worth adding that in 8 of their last 9 home games in the Conference League, they have not conceded more than one goal, keeping a clean sheet in 5 matches. Their solid defense will be an additional advantage against Mainz, who are modest in attack.
The Germans have scored more than once in only one of their three main stage matches, with the decisive goal in the last round coming in injury time. Away in European competitions, the club has limited itself to a maximum of one goal in 6 of their last 7 matches. During this period, Mainz has achieved only two victories, both with a minimal margin.
I believe the hosts will maintain a positive handicap. My prediction: Universitatea Craiova with a handicap (+1)
