One Point Apart: Escaldes and Craiova Chase the Edge in Encamp

Inter Club d’Escaldes have not conceded a goal at home this season. Two home matches, two wins, three goals scored and a clean sheet every time out at the Estadi de la FAF.

A single point between two sides

Few gaps in the Conference League table are smaller. Universitatea Craiova sit 21st with a point from their opening league-phase game, while Escaldes are 33rd on zero, after a defeat that left them two goals adrift on goal difference. On Thursday, the visitors can pull level with a win and the hosts can close the gap with one. It is a match where a single goal may matter more than the table suggests.

Form that tells two stories

Escaldes arrive with a mixed but encouraging run. Their season reads win, win, draw, win, loss, and over their last five matches they have scored nine times while conceding four. Their home record has been the foundation, and their away form has been more uneven, with one win, one draw and one defeat on the road.

Craiova have a far shorter record to judge. Their only game so far ended in a draw, and they found the net in the second half before conceding late in the match. That late collapse is a habit they will want to avoid against a side that has been hard to break down at home.

Our prediction

PreviaXI’s model favours the home side narrowly, with a draw almost as likely. The Escaldes defence has been difficult to beat in Encamp, and Craiova have yet to show they can keep a clean sheet. Expect a tight, cautious game in which one well-timed moment could settle it, and the hosts’ solid home record gives them the edge.

Inter Club d’Escaldes 1-0 Universitatea Craiova