Resolute Vitebsk to have work cut out in Minsk

Isloch Minsk welcome the visit of second placed Vitebsk this Sunday afternoon, with the opportunity looming that a win could take them to the summit of the Belarusian Premier League. Both sides have enjoyed positive beginnings to the 2020 campaign, the hosts are fifth having recovered from back to back losses in beating Slavia Mozyr 2-1 last time out, this match surprisingly will be their fifth home game in just the sixth match of the season. It alternatively will be Vitebsk’s fourth away trip in six, where they have performed admirably, competing at the top, very different to their 13^th place finish in 2019.

Last time out

Isloch were clinical in their last outing, edging an even matchup with Mozyr. The game sprung into life with three goals in 14 second half minutes, with Isloch grabbing the first two. Dmitri Komarovski converted from the spot just after the hour mark and former Shakhtyor Soligorsk man Nikolai Yanush doubled the advantage in the 73^rd minute. They held on despite Francis Narh’s 77^th minute strike leading to a grandstand finish.

Vitebsk pulled off the upset of the weekend, defeating reigning champions Dinamo Brest 1-0 at Vitebsky Central Sport Complex to bring their total to 10 points. They boast the joint second-best defensive record in the division, having conceded just three from their opening five outings, they have also kept three clean sheets in that period. Despite defence being their strongest facet, they were worth the victory over Brest winning the shot count 13 to nine even though they only had 44% possession, a very efficient performance from Sergey Yasinsky’s men.

One to watch

Second striker and captain Dmitri Komarovski is the danger man for Isloch Minsk. Tied in second place in the scoring charts with 16 other players gives him the motivation to kick on for the top, and at 33 he has the experience to breakdown the so far immaculate Vitebsk backline. The three times Belarus international has 31 goals in 91 appearances for the club and in that is due a third goal in his sixth league appearance of the campaign.

Isloch won their home game against Vitebsk 2-1 in 2019 and went on to finish fifth, making them rightfully favourites for this clash. They will have to work hard but have the quality to get over the line.

Isloch Minsk – Vitebsk Betting Tip

Isloch Minsk (+0.25) Handicap + Under 2.5 goals with bet365 at odds of 27/25.

Bet Isloch Minsk (+0.25) Handicap + Under 2.5 goals on Bet365