CFR Cluj vs Voluntari Prediction 27.07.2026 | SuperLiga

CFR Cluj have endured a frustrating start to the 2026-27 campaign, with Antonio Folha's side suffering a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Otelul Galati on the opening weekend after conceding the decisive goal just four minutes from time.

Their struggles continued on the continental stage on Thursday, as the Railwaymen were forced to come from behind to rescue a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Armenian outfit Alashkert in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League second qualifying round tie.

The Transylvanian club's biggest setback, however, has come off the pitch. Despite strengthening their squad with nine summer signings, CFR have been unable to register any of them for their opening two competitive matches due to financial fair play restrictions and outstanding administrative issues.

Although club owner Ioan Varga has stated that the situation should be resolved on Monday after the necessary payments are made, the new arrivals will not be eligible until Tuesday, leaving Folha with a limited squad once again for Monday's meeting with Voluntari.

Unlike Monday's hosts, who have already been thrown into the deep end with early-season commitments on both domestic and European fronts, Voluntari have enjoyed a quieter build-up in the outskirts of Bucharest and will be hoping to capitalize on CFR Cluj's mounting fatigue and selection issues, especially with the decisive second leg of their European tie likely to dominate the hosts' thoughts.

With Cluj expected to be without several important players, Voluntari have every reason to believe they can leave Transylvania with a positive result, building on an encouraging start to their SuperLiga campaign after playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Botosani on the opening weekend.

However, despite the home side's well-documented problems both on and off the pitch, the Sky Blues have little reason for confidence given their dreadful record at this venue, having lost 10 of their last 11 league visits to CFR Cluj, including a crushing 4-1 defeat in the most recent meeting.

Voluntari will also be without injured duo Andrei Pitian and Alexandru Git, both of whom remain sidelined with long-term injuries, although head coach Florin Pirvu is expected to keep faith with the same starting XI that delivered a respectable performance in the opening round.