Old vs. New in the Minsk Derby
The Minsk derby takes place at the weekend when traditional powerhouse Dinamo take on the relatively new FC Minsk. Who will secure local bragging rights? Have a read of our preview here:
Starting in impressive fashion
FC Minsk picked up three points on the opening day thanks to a 3-1 win at Belshina Bobruisk. In a game of few chances, the away side got the important goals and bagged a win that they hope will spearhead them onto a good campaign.
The club, created in 2006 when they took over the licence of first league outfit Smena Minsk, finished last season in ninth place while their other city rivals Torpedo Minsk folded due to financial difficulties.
They’ll now be looking to take down Minsk’ traditional historic side Dinamo in the first city derby of the season.
Vladimir Khvaschinskiy was their star man last weekend and will need to be in top form again if FC Minsk are to continue their excellent start to the season.
Dinamo left frustrated after game week one
Dinamo Minsk are one of only two sides from Belarus to have made the group stage of the Europe League group stages, a history they should be rightly proud of.
Last weekend did not go according to plan after falling to a 1-0 defeat at home to newly-promoted side Rukh Brest but they had a solid campaign last season, finishing fourth. This year they will be hoping to go further and close the gap between themselves and the top sides with the Minsk derby a good way to kick start their season.
FC Minsk v Dinamo Minsk betting tip
Dinamo will be desperate to secure the bragging rights against their city rivals and also to bounce back from defeat last weekend. They will feel an entitlement as the oldest club in Minsk and should be able to bag the three points here. So, we are backing Dinamo Minsk to win at odds of 4/5 with bet365.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
The home side emerged with an impressive 3-2 win in this exciting derby