Can Grodno bounce back against Vitebsk?
Monday will see Neman Grodno host FC Vitebsk in the Belarusian Premier League. Grodno lost their opening game, but can they bounce back at home? Have a read of our preview here:
Frustrating opening weekend
Neman Grodno were left frustrated on day one of the Belarusian Premier League season. A late wonder-strike from Isloch striker Momo Yansane condemned them to defeat much to the disappointment of the squad and their band of hardy away supporters.
It was a game in which they were outshot 16 to six and so the final scoreline was, perhaps not surprising, but they will be wanting a quick response when they return to Neman Stadium to host their first game of the campaign.
Danijel Stojkovic was their stand out performer in game week one, with the central defender putting in an excellent defensive effort, but they will need strikers Zoran Marusic and Volodymyr Koval to show a more clinical edge in order to grab their first three points of the season.
Visitors off to a winning start
FC Vitebsk will be hoping to continue their good start to the campaign after winning the first match of the season by a single goal at home to Gorodeya thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Dmitriy Ignatenko.
The match was not a classic but Vitebsk will take it after a very even game. They now have to go on the road and produce a similarly solid performance.
They finished 13th last season, precariously close to the relegation zone so will be hoping to get off to a good start in a very competitive league.
Anton Matveenko played well on the opening weekend as did goalkeeper Artem Soroko. They will need to be at their best again on Monday.
Neman Grodno v FC Vitebsk betting tip
Grodno finished last season in ninth place and are generally considered the stronger side even if Vitebsk won their opening game. With that in mind, we are backing Neman Grodno to win at odds of 13/10 with bet365.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
Neman bagged a 2-0 win to bounce back in style