Newly promoted Smolevichi to bag first PL win
Vitebsk go into matchday three with a win and defeat under their belts. Can they make the Vitebsky Central Sports Complex a fortress this season? Have a read of our preview here:
Down to earth with a bump
Last Sunday saw FC Vitebsk fall to a 2-0 defeat away at Neman as they came back down to earth with a bump following their opening weekend victory against Gorodeya.
This was always projected to be a difficult season for Sergey Yasinsky’s side after they only just avoided the drop in 2018-19. Finishing 13th just highlighted the challenges that would lie ahead for a club that doesn’t have the spending power of a number of their rivals.
They fought hard against Neman but two goals in the space of seven second-half minutes left them with no chance of a comeback. Gegham Kadymyan put them in front on 51 before a spot-kick was converted by Giorgi Kantaria to make the match safe for the home side.
Vitebsk will want to be strong at home this season and after winning on the opening day, they have a chance to maintain this 100% record when Smolevichi turn up on Sunday.
Smolevichi predicted to struggle
Last season Smolevichi finished the season gaining promotion as runners-up in the Belarusian First League. The jump in quality is not as big as it is between the Championship and the Premier League in England but moving up a division is always tough.
They put in an excellent performance on the opening weekend when they got a point against Champions Dinamo Brest but a 1-0 defeat last Sunday away at Isloch leaves them with only a point from the opening two matchdays.
They will feel a trip to Vitebsk is a good opportunity to pick up their first three points of the season, something they are more than capable of doing.
Vitebsk - Smolevichi betting tip
Vitebsk may have won the first game at home this season, but it was only due to an own goal that they got the victory. If you are looking for value, then backing Smolevichi to win at odds of 21/10 with bet365 is the way to go here.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
Vitebsk picked up the 1-0 win despite ending the game with 10 men