Grodno take on Rukh Brest towards the bottom
Neman Grodno host Rukh Brest this Saturday afternoon hoping to leapfrog the newly promoted side into mid table. Grodno have been enduring a tricky start to the season, but they remain unbeaten at home, having picked up seven of their eight points to this date at Neman Stadium. They are comfortable favourites in this encounter however Rukh have already proven that they will not go lightly performing by far the best out of the three newly promoted clubs and boasting the joint best defensive record in the league. Only one point separates Neman currently in the relegation playoff spot and Rukh Brest in 11th, both sides have only tasted victory twice thus far.
Last time out
Grodno gave a good account of themselves in defeat to BATE Borisov in gameweek seven, they were disgraced in going down 3-1 to the form side in the league. Only managing three shots fewer than last season’s runners up. It was a particularly competitive first 45, with BATE winning the shot count seven to six but with both sides letting off three on goal and Gegam Kadimyan’s 31st minute strike brought Neman right back in the game at 1-2, as Borisov had raced into a two goal lead inside 17 minutes. There were plenty of positive signs to give Igor Kovalevich confidence on climbing the table this weekend.
Rukh Brest too have wind in their sails after rescuing a point in their last game, thanks to Ilia Kolpachuk’s second half last gasp equaliser against Gorodeya. The match finished 1-1 but it was a good performance from Rukh who probably deserved more but took a long time to recover from conceding the opener six minutes into the second period. Avoiding defeat would be a successful result for Rukh in this matchup, keeping Neman at arms length in that 14th place relegation playoff spot.
One to watch
One time Belarus U21 international Pavel Zabelin grabbed a brace in the last game at Neman Stadium, a pressure relieving 3-0 win against early season pace setters Energetik-BGU, putting an end to a three game winless run and recording their second win to nil from three home outings this term. Zabelin is not traditionally a goalscoring midfielder having only added another two goals in his other 65 appearances for the club, yet at 24 he has scope to develop and this could be the season he showcases his attacking talent.
Neman have picked up in recent weeks and should have enough to get past hardworking Rukh Brest, a low scoring encounter is also looks on the cards.
