Steaua tipped for the title

By Paul-Daniel Zaharia

FC Steaua Bucuresti will go into the winter break top of Divizia A, and as favourites to win the title for the first time since 2001 when the league resumes in March.

Winter champions
Steaua have 30 points, three more than FC Dinamo Bucuresti, FC National Bucuresti, FC Farul Constanta and AFC Rapid Bucuresti. But Steaua will extend their lead if, as expected, they beat FC Apulum Alba Iulia in a rearranged match on 5 December. Qualification for the last 32 of the UEFA Cup would then round off the year in style for Walter Zenga's side.

National fade
National were the early pacesetters, but Steaua have not looked back since thrashing them 5-1 on 31 October to go top. National have not won since, while Steaua have forged ahead with two draws and a win.

Dinamo recover
It is Dinamo, despite a dreadful start, who now look most likely to challenge Steaua. They replaced National in second on goal difference after defeating FC Arges Pitesti 4-0 last Saturday, their seventh win in nine games since taking just three points from their first six matches.

Farul surprise
The surprise package are Farul, who after years fighting relegation, appear ready to meet owner Gheorghe Bosinceanu's demand of a top-five finish. Coach Petre Grigoras has excelled since replacing Mihai Stoichita on the eve of the campaign, and on one of the lowest budgets has guided the team to fourth on the back of four consecutive wins, including a 2-0 victory over Rapid.

Pascovici impresses
Farul's great strength lies in defence - only FC Otelul Galati have conceded fewer goals - thanks in no small part to defender Cosmin Pascovici, who has also scored in each of his side's last three games. Pascovici's excellent form has been rewarded by a call-up to the Romania squad, though he is yet to make his international debut.

Craiova crisis
At the other end, four-time champions FC Universitatea Craiova are in a desperate battle to avoid the drop, occupying the relegation zone at the break for the first time in their history. They will fall to the bottom should FC Politehnica AEK Timisoara beat FC Sportul Studentesc in their rearranged match on 5 December. Politehnica are looking for their fourth coach of the season following the resignation of Gheorghe Multescu last week.