Major Surprise at FCSB vs. U Cluj: Captain Darius Olaru Out
In a surprising turn of events, FCSB will face U Cluj without their captain, Darius Olaru, in a crucial match set for March 7, 2023. The match will take place at the National Arena and is part of the final stage of the regular season in Romania’s SuperLiga. Olaru’s absence is due to flu symptoms, leaving the team to adapt without their key midfield leader.
FCSB’s Starting Lineup Against U Cluj
FCSB has made several changes to their lineup since their last match against UTA Arad. Below is the confirmed starting eleven for the encounter with U Cluj:
- M. Popa (Goalkeeper)
- Crețu
- Dawa
- Duarte
- J. Paulo
- Tănase
- Lixandru
- Miculescu
- Cisotti
- Thiam
- Bîrligea
Notably, Radunovic will also not start the match, with Joao Paulo stepping in to fill the defensive gap. The substitutes for FCSB include Târnovanu, Zima, Graovac, Kiki, Arad, Toma, Pantea, Radunovic, Tavi Popescu, Alhassan, and David Popa.
U Cluj’s Squad Preview
On the other side, U Cluj will field the following players:
- Lefter (Goalkeeper)
- Mikanovic
- Cisse
- Coubiș
- Stanojev
- Codrea
- Bic
- Fabry
- Macalou
- Lukic
- Mendy
Their substitutes include Gertmonas, Cosa, Chinteș, Cristea, Capradossi, Miguel Silva, Murgia, El Sawy, Pall, Nistor, Gheorghiță, and Postolachi.
Implications of Darius Olaru’s Absence
Darius Olaru, a pivotal figure in FCSB’s game strategy, will miss this match due to health issues. His absence not only affects the team dynamics but also the midfield control FCSB typically exerts over their opponents.
Recent Performance and Play-out Prospects
This season has been challenging for FCSB as they have struggled to maintain form. As they enter the play-out phase, their primary goal will be to secure a position for European qualifiers. FCSB must finish in the top eight to play in the promotion playoffs against a lower-table team and a playoff contender.
Following the match with U Cluj, FCSB’s next opponent will be Metaloglobus București, whom they faced multiple times this season. Their last encounter ended in a convincing 4-1 victory for FCSB, but the prior match was a disappointing defeat.
As FCSB prepares for this critical match, all eyes will be on how the team adjusts without their captain and strives to regain winning momentum in the play-out series.
