Sepsi-CFR Cluj    (lost)

CFR Cluj are dealing with much more than an ordinary dip in form. The club is facing a serious survival issue after chairman Hendrik Klein announced that it had officially entered bankruptcy proceedings. The board’s priority is now financial rescue rather than cup success. Shortly before this match, starting defender Ali Abed left the club, generating €300,000 in income. CFR Cluj are also expected to sell more key players, with some transfers potentially worth over €1 million.

This policy is bound to weaken the team competitively. Head coach Șumudică has openly criticised the congested schedule and admitted that he does not have enough players available. With important players being sold and limited squad depth, heavy rotation in the cup is highly likely. For a club whose main objective is currently to preserve its existence, the Romanian Cup is unlikely to receive maximum attention.

CFR Cluj have only a few players valued above €1 million. Forwards Cordea, Korenica and Biliboc are among their main assets. Korenica scored nine goals last season and was one of the team’s most important attacking players, but he is now reportedly one of the players who could leave. Knowing that he may be sold can also affect a player’s focus and motivation.

Sepsi, in contrast, have a more complete squad and have been relatively stable recently. Against a CFR Cluj side that may rotate heavily, lacks depth and is distracted by a financial crisis, the home team has a good chance of avoiding defeat.

PICK: Sepsi +0.25