Tame Gorodeya host leaky FC Minsk
Two of the sides in a clustered mid table of the Belarusian Premier League go head-to-head this Friday evening, hoping to break away from the pack to challenge at the top end. Gorodeya host FC Minsk as very narrow favourites, three places but only one point separates the teams in ninth and 12th position, respectively. Both will be disappointed by the outcome of their matches in gameweek seven, Gorodeya were minutes away from an excellent away win while FC Minsk were thrashed at home to high flying Torpedo Zhodino. This matchup sees Minsk with the worst defensive record in the division, take on Gorodeya with the second least prolific attacking contingent, it should be a good contest.
Last time out
I would be referencing a winning tip and a smash and grab victory if it was not for Ilia Kolpachuk’s 91st minute equaliser for Rukh Brest on Saturday, though the Draw No Bet was a consolation. Truth be told it was just rewards for newly promoted Rukh who had dominated the second period, letting off 12 shots to Gorodeya’s three. A bitterly disappointing conclusion to a very workmanlike display, Oleg Radushko will be hoping it fuels the determination of his team to make amends on Friday evening.
The scoreline was a lot more horrific than the performance in FC Minsk’s last outing, they found themselves 4-1 down at half time with Zhodino. Valeri Gorbachik completed his hattrick in first half additional time, yet the visitors had scored with every shot they took, leaving question marks over the head of goalkeeper Artem Leonov. Minsk continued to push on in the second period, racking up six shots on goal to Zhodino’s two, but could not find the net until the 89th minute at which time the visitors had extended their lead to 5-1. Substitute attacker Ognjen Rolovic scored the consolation goal, with the side looking to put that experience firmly behind them.
One to watch
Versatile defensive midfielder Andrey Sorokin has been one of the standouts for Gorodeya so far this campaign and bagged his second of the season in the last match. A former Russia youth international still just 24, Sorokin has already equaled his total for last term, where he made 19 appearances in the hosts’ seventh placed finish. Sorokin is one of the players Radushko will look for to dictate play and step up in this encounter.
FC Minsk showed some signs of finding form in their last match but their defence is worryingly leaky at the moment, Gorodeya should have the quality to capitalise on that.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
A competent display was not to see this tip a win, Gorodeya continued to be tough to beat and drew 1-1 with FC Minsk.