BATE v ALASHKERT
Wednesday 12th July 2017 – Kickoff: 2030hrs
Football – Europe – Champions League Betting Tips
BATE Borisov take their place in the Champions League qualifiers thanks to winning last season’s Belarus Premier League by an 11-point margin over Shakhtyor, and although the new domestic season is well under way again, they turn their attentions to tonight’s second qualifying round first leg against Armenian outfit, Alashkert.
BATE are once again locked in battle with Shakhtyor in the Premier League as they sit second to their title rivals, but having recently put together a six match unbeaten run prior to tonight’s first leg, the home side will be in confident mood.
BATE also have a point to prove in this season’s Champions League as they were unceremoniously dumped out of last season’s competition by Irish ‘minnows’ Dundalk 3-1 on aggregate, despite winning the first leg 1-0 at home. Look out for striker Gordeychuk (7 goals).
Visitors Alashkert beat Andorran side Santa Coloma 2-1 on aggregate to reach this second qualifying round of the Champions League as they registered a 1-0 win at home in the first leg, and then held Santa Coloma to a 1-1 draw away from home in the second.
Alashkert dominated their domestic Premier League by winning the title by seven points ahead of second placed Gandzasar who qualified for the Europa League along with Shirak, but with due respect, the Armenian domestic top flight consists of only six teams.
By comparison, Alashkert also possess a rather limited pedigree at Champions League level to that of BATE Borisov, and it’s this experience at top level european club football that will be the difference here.
Pick: BATE AH-1.5 @ 1.68 Bet Victor
