- Hermannstadt are unbeaten in five matches, with four draws and one win
- Voluntari are on a winning run, scoring four goals in the most recent, a 4-2 win at Steaua
- Hermannstadt have an edge in H2H record, but the 2024 clashes were both close - a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 Voluntari win
Hermannstadt have a bit more experience in pressure games
Two clubs with their league futures in the balance will clash when AFC Hermannstadt host FC Voluntari in the first leg of their Liga I relegation-promotion playoff on Sunday. The hosts are seeking to keep their SuperLiga status, while Voluntari are hoping to secure an immediate return to the top flight after storming through the Liga II promotion playoff. According to our AFC Hermannstadt vs FC Voluntari prediction, both teams will need to bring their best energy and tactics to secure a positive result in the first leg.
The home side finished 14th in the play-out section of the SuperLiga season, but managed to secure their place in this tie with a 2-0 win at FCSB. Dorinel Munteanu’s men have been a pragmatic bunch all season, with a compact midfield block and a platform for counter attacks, especially from set pieces, their main strengths.
Sergiu Buș is the striker who scored the decisive goal in that victory over FCSB. He and a number of other players have plenty of experience of these pressure games and will be expected to keep Hermannstadt in the game on Sunday. For a deeper understanding, our AFC Hermannstadt vs FC Voluntari preview will explain how their Municipal Sibiu home is modern and the late-May weather should be ideal for soccer, so there’s nothing to make them shy away from the challenge of Voluntari.
Voluntari are on a high after storming through the promotion play-off
Florin Pîrvu has turned Voluntari into one of the more entertaining teams in the second division and their 3rd place finish with 64 points in the group was accompanied by the best goalscoring record in the league. The Black and Whites have the perfect balance of structure and freedom to operate within it, with wing-backs providing width and multiple players going forward. When considering the current form, this AFC Hermannstadt vs FC Voluntari prediction suggests that attacking football could be on display, especially given Voluntari's prowess in front of goal.
The likes of Cristian Neguț and Aviel Zargary can offer pace and creativity on the break or in transition, but with David Lazar in goal, both teams are well set in defence, too.
Voluntari have the momentum of a high-scoring winning streak behind them and a reputation for not folding in pressure moments, as Matko Babić proved by scoring vital goals during the play-off phase. Babić has netted several play-off goals and is in the form of his life, while Adam Nemec and Remus Guțea are also in the groove.
Side with Hermannstadt to edge a cagey first leg
The odds look about right for this match, with Hermannstadt 1.98 favorites and Voluntari 3.8 to win and a draw 3.2. The SuperLiga side have the extra experience and home-field advantage to edge this first game, but the visitors’ momentum and attacking form should keep the tie well alive for the second leg. For those interested in value, the AFC Hermannstadt vs FC Voluntari betting tips may help inform your decision on how to approach this fixture.
Under 2.5 goals, which is at 1.67, seems a good play, however, as this will probably be a chess match that could be decided by one moment of magic or one slip up. The AFC Hermannstadt vs FC Voluntari prediction is that Hermannstadt will want to break through the middle, while Voluntari will try to be disciplined and get on the ball in second phase. Back the hosts to grab a lead, but don’t expect many clear chances at either end.
