- Debut fixture: Bacău and Ștefănești face off in senior soccer for the first time
- Odds: Bacău are clear favourites to win at 1.55, with Ștefănești 5.25 and the draw 3.75
- Prediction: BTTS & under 2.5 goals look good in this opener.
Experienced Bacau can edge it if they avoid the heat of Ștefănești
Tactics and structure
Bacău and Ștefăneștii de Jos begin their respective Liga 2 2026-2027 campaigns in the same way, level on points and desperate to find some early momentum to help build a solid foundation for the rest of the season. Costel Enache's Bacău team will be looking to control the game, with a 4-1-4-1 system that can stretch into a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1. This is a structured side, that will sit compact, defend well and try to make good use of the space behind the opposition's midfielders.
Form and key players
Enache's side lost their last pre-season friendly 3-1 to Oțelul Galați, as he rotated and continued to integrate some new faces.
- Romario Moise, who will play through the middle, is the most creative player Bacău have on the field at any given time, and his quality on set pieces could be crucial in a potentially tight opener.
- Carlos Inglada is a good signing at the back, adding some experience and professionalism to the back line, and Patrick Petre is a real finisher with a proper professional pedigree.
- Marius Dumitru was the key man in Ștefănești's promotion and will be the team's biggest threat on Saturday evening, the pace and penetration he offers will be the biggest worry for the home side.
Goals at both ends in this tight opener
Ștefănești's pre-season results were mixed, with narrow defeats to the stronger FCSB, Metalul Buzău and Dinamo. Bacău look stronger on paper, but this is a huge night for Ștefănești, who are making their Liga 2 debut.
The home advantage, the more proven squad and the summer investment Bacău have made, all suggest that the favourites are the most likely to prevail in the opening game, but the visitors have the promotion hype and energy on their side. A home win is the safest play, but this looks like a tight game.
Both teams have a reasonable BTTS & under 2.5 goal record in recent friendlies and regular season games, so it could pay to be on the side of the BTTS & under 2.5 market in this Liga 2 opener. A 1-0 or 2-1 home win looks a safe bet in the correct score market.
