Belshina to finally get a win against Smolevichy

Belshina Bobruisk are yet to win since being promoted last season. Can they finally get their first three points when they host Smolevichy on Friday? Have a read of our preview here:

Belshina not making the grade

Three straight defeats to start the new Premier League season would have been cause for concern for last season’s First League champions.

Belshina have not found the transition between divisions easy and it is unlikely to change yet they can take heart from the result they picked up last weekend away at Neman Grodno.

They trailed to a superb free-kick but actually played well and got an important equaliser when Leonid Kovel netted from close range after being set up by Nikita Rochev.

The result sealed the first point of the season for the newly-promoted side and could give them a boost heading into a crunch game against fellow struggler Smolevichy.

Despite only getting one point from a possible 12, Belishina have been pretty good at the back, conceding just one goal in each game with the exception of that opening round defeat to FC Minsk. This gives them something to build from.

For Belshina, Samuel Odeyobo will be an influential figure if they are to enjoy any success. He was excellent in the draw last week and can clearly be a lynchpin in defence, something Belshina have done reasonably well so far this season.

Smolevichy looking for improvement

Smolevichy have also been a side looking unlikely to make much of an impression this season. They drew on day one of the campaign but lost the next two leaving them second from bottom ahead of only Belshina.

They scored just once in the opening three games and need to improve to match their new level having also been promoted from the First League last season.

This year is expected to be tough for them and it could get tougher if they lose to Belshina on Friday.

Belshina Bobruisk v Smolevichy betting tip

Belshina won the Belarusian First League last season but have really struggled to adapt at a higher level. They are not far off, however, so we are backing them to win at odds of 6/5 with Betfair.

Bet Belshina to win on Betfair