FCSB — Arges Pitesti : Match Preview and Prediction for August 24,2025

FCSB: Reigning Champions as Undisputed Favorites

The reigning Romanian champions approach this fixture as the clear and undisputed favorites. Even Arges’s president, Dani Coman, publicly acknowledges that his team faces “possibly the best team in the league.” These aren’t just empty words; they genuinely reflect the profound strength and significant resources at the disposal of the Bucharest powerhouse.

Strategic Squad Rotation: A Boost in Depth

Following a demanding Europa League away trip to Scotland against Aberdeen, which ended in a 2-2 draw, coach Elias Charalambous has confirmed plans for squad rotation. However, for FCSB, rotation often means an upgrade, not a compromise. Key players Risto Radunovic, Siyabonga Ngezana, and Baba Alhassan, who were unavailable for the European battle due to visa complications, are set to return fresh and energized to the starting lineup. Their re-inclusion is poised to inject crucial dynamism and quality into the team.

Offensive Reinforcement: Mamadou Thiam’s Impact

The attacking front will also see a significant change. Daniel Bîrligea, who earned Man of the Match honors against Aberdeen, will be rested in preparation for the upcoming second leg. His spot in the starting XI will be filled by new acquisition Mamadou Thiam, a truly powerful asset. Club owner Gigi Becali has famously dubbed him a “tank” and expects him to score 15-20 goals this season, with the coach affirming his complete readiness to perform. Thiam represents a fresh, formidable attacking force specifically brought in to achieve domestic league ambitions.

Arges Pitesti: Enduring Away Day Challenges

Arges, as a newly promoted side, has already demonstrated flashes of resilience, but their away performances have proven to be a significant struggle. They have already recorded two defeats on the road, succumbing to Universitatea Craiova and Botosani, both by a 1-3 margin. These results clearly highlight specific difficulties when competing away from their home ground against well-structured and organized opposition.

Coach’s Cautious Optimism and Psychological Pressure

Coach Bogdan Andone, in his pre-match statements, emphasizes the importance of bravery, yet an underlying tone of apprehension is quite noticeable. His candid remark, “If we are fearful… it will be a very difficult match,” underscores the immense psychological pressure his players will inevitably experience, especially when facing a team of FCSB’s caliber at the imposing Arena Națională.

Statistical Disadvantages Point to an Uphill Battle

The raw statistical data further corroborates the uphill battle facing the visitors. Arges registers the lowest shot accuracy percentage in the entire league, with a mere 32.8% of their attempts finding the target. Furthermore, the team maintains the least possession and completes the fewest passes in the Superliga. These critical statistical deficiencies are likely to prove detrimental and potentially fatal against a dominant opponent like FCSB.