Rapid Bucuresti – CSMS Iasi 06.08.2012

The schedule for this start of the season did no favor to these two sides as both had tough games to play.

Rapid hasn’t impressed so far, they were pretty decent to beat Mypa twice and draw two games in the league, against Vaslui and Otelul but when had to play a bigger team they got beaten, and they’ve been beaten bad. 0-4 result away at Heerenveen a few days ago gives them no hope for the second leg which will be played on Thursday. At this point, I’m good that things are pretty much clear and it means to me that Rapid should be fully focused on today game, since there isn’t much to change in the tie with Dutch side. After that cold shower they have an easy game in hand which shouldn’t really require too much to win it. CSMS Iasi has played two and lost them both. By just playing back home wasn’t enough to stay unbeaten against Otelul as they lost 1-2, while in the second matchday were defeated 2-5 at the National Arena by a Dinamo side that were hungry for goals and an opponent like Iasi couldn’t stop them. This Iasi squad isn’t quality, they’re young, unexperienced – hard to find some solid perspectives of this team. Their coach, I. Popa was moaning about the squad quality, beside that it’s short in depth too. He has to play many youngsters and they’re not any hot prospects.

Not exactly a bet on Rapid, it’s more going against CSMS Iasi. Don’t really think they can contain Rapid and their defense might have another bad day. I believe that Rapid, despite not being at top form, could easily score three in this game. But it’s also important to see how their coach will pick the starting line-up. Can’t think of Teixeira benched again. Wouldn’t like to see Surdu as well. However, no matter the way you put it there shouldn’t be room for surprise and Rapid win easily. So the first bet is Rapid -1.5.

I’ll also make a bet on the totals, it is posted at 2.5. I said a few lines above that Rapid should score three without big effort. At the same it I’d put something on a goal of CSMS Iasi. Although they have a coach that is known for his defensive mentality, Rapid conceded goals in each game they’ve played so far.