Can BATE regain their former glory?

Belarusian heavyweights BATE Borisov have made a poor start to the new season. Can they pick up their first three points of the season against newly-promoted Rukh Brest? Have a read of our preview here:

Not the start they wanted

BATE have won the Belarusian Premier League 15 times in their history and the name most casual observers will associate with the country’s domestic football.

They finished behind Dinamo Brest last season in what was a shock first title for Sergey Kovalchuk’s side.

BATE are hoping to return to the summit of the sport this year but have made an awful start to the campaign, losing both matches so far this season while conceding five goals already.

They have been a hotbed of talent in the past with players such as Alexander Hleb, Vitali Kutuzov and Yuri Zhevnov all coming through their side but keeping that level of quality coming through the academy is not easy and this season could be the first time they have really struggled in some time.

They know this season remains in doubt given the world crisis and will also not be panicking about the poor start but getting that first win on the board will be vital and must get it sooner rather than later.

The 2-1 defeat at Slavia Mozyr in their last game came despite taking an early lead thanks to a goal from Willum Willumsson but the Icelandic winger saw a brace from Nikita Melnikov turn the game on its head, leaving BATE still searching from their first point of the season.

Newcomers doing ok

Rukh have will be pleased with the level of their performances this season even though they were on the end of slender 1-0 defeat at home to Energetik-BGU last weekend.

They proved they are not afraid to mix it with the big boys on the opening day when they beat Dinamo Minsk and will be hoping they can heap more misery on BATE on Saturday.

BATE Borisov vs Rukh Brest betting tip

BATE go into this game as massive favourite and not without reason but there is real value in backing both teams to score at odds of 11/8 with bet365. BATE have not looked good at the back so far this season and Rukh could just need half a chance to take advantage.

Bet Both teams to score on Betway