Smolevichi Vs BATE Borisov
Sunday, 10 May 2020 – 16:00 Kick-Off
Belarusian Vysshaya Liga
Pick: BATE Borisov & Under 3.5 Goals
Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: Boylesports
Belarus Vysshaya Liga Betting with Bet365
Preview: With an impressive four wins across their previous five Vysshaya Liga fixtures, BATE Borisov rightly approach Sunday’s encounter away to Smolevichi as commanding favourites, as the hosts attempt to spring a major shock in Belarus.
Table of Contents
Smolevichi Preview – When will maiden win arrive?
Even at this early stage of the season, a six point gap to safety is no small margin. Particularly when you’re one of only two sides who after seven league rounds, are still searching for that elusive first win. So the pressure is already mounting for Smolevichi (15th – W0 D3 L4, GF3 GA9) even before this weekend’s daunting clash with an in-form BATE Borisov harbouring title aspirations.
Just three points is all Alexsandr Brazevich’s men have to show for their efforts so far, while only one of which coming at their Ozyorny Stadium despite hosting on four occasions (D1 L3). So bleak has it been there, in fact, that a consolation strike in a 3-1 loss to Dinamo Minsk represents this team’s only goal on home soil thus far. Otherwise blanking in defeats to Vitebsk (0-1) and Energetik-BGU (0-2), as well as a 0-0 stalemate with Shakhtyor Soligorsk.
This appears a tall order therefore, which helps explain such lofty odds currently available on a Smolevichi victory. However, on just two occasions were they beaten by more than one goal suggesting the hosts could feasibly cover a handicap (+1.5 Asian Handicap is available at 39/40 with Bet365).
BATE Borisov Preview – Former champs gathering early momentum?
After reeling off 13 consecutive league titles between 2006 and 2018, it must have come as quite a shock when the crown of BATE (3rd – W4 D1 L2, GF11 GA6) eventually slipped last season at the expense of Dynamo Brest. Supporters would have feared the worst, then, when after only two rounds of the new campaign their team had already incurred half as many losses as the previous term, losing away at both Energetik-BGU (3-1) and Slavia Mozyr (2-1).
The response from the 15-time national champions has been commendable, however, picking up ten of the next twelve available points to climb into third place and within three points of surprise leaders Slutsk. Three of their four wins so far were either by two clear goals or without conceding, with another Win To Nil rated an 8/11 chance with BetFred.
On the road it is two straight wins for head coach Kirill Alshevsky, after decisive victories at FC Minsk (0-3) and Gorodeya (0-2). Meanwhile, across their last five league matches only Neman Grodno, in last week’s 3-1 scoreline in BATE’s favour, have the Yellow-Blues even conceded a single goal. Their goal difference in this period an eye-catching 9-1.
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Smolevichi Vs BATE Borisov Betting Advice
Four wins and ten points across their past five league encounters suggests BATE Borisov have found their groove after a very disappointing start initially. Last week’s 3-1 victory over Neman Grodno represented another comfortable success, with three of their four victories so far by two clear goals. So another rough day at the office could be in store for winless Smolevichi.
Smolevichi Vs BATE Borisov Key Facts
- Two teams in this season’s Belarus Vysshaya Liga have failed to record a win after seven rounds, one of them being Smolevichi (D3 L4).
- Across the past five league rounds, BATE Borisov have dropped two points (W4 D1) and conceded only once.
- BATE Borisov were victorious home (1-0) and away (2-3) the last time Smolevichi featured in Belarus’ highest division in 2018.
No team in Belarus’ top-flight are averaging fewer goals at this stage than Smolevichi (3 from 7 games). With BATE conceding only once in five league outings, an away win to nil boasts obvious appeal. As does BATE & Under 3.5 Goals – only three of these team’s fourteen combined matches this season featured four or more goals.
Best Betting Odds for Smolevichi Vs BATE Borisov
Smolevichi – 14/1 (Bet365)
Draw – 4/1 (PaddyPower)
BATE Borisov – 1/4 (Boylesports)
