Can Soligorsk get their season back on track?
2019 third placed finishers Shakhtyor Soligorsk host this season’s current side occupying that exact spot in the Belarusian Premier League, Slutsk. The hosts did the double over Slutsk last term with the latter victory being 5-0 rout on their travels, such memories that seem a long time ago given their unrecognisable start to proceedings this time around. Soligorsk have only scored in one of their last five and in turn will face a side who found the net over treble the amount of times they have managed. Having said that they will be happy to be back playing in familiar surroundings following back-to-back disappointments on the road.
Last time out
Soligorsk failed to capitalise in their last outing, a frustrating goalless draw away to newly promoted Smolevichi where they had 17 shots compared to the hosts four and seven on target where they did not concede any. Yuriy Vernydub rattled through his changes but to no avail with Smolevichi claiming their second point of the campaign.
Slutsk played out a closely fought contest with sixth placed Vitebsk, 1-1 it ended with Souleymane Koanda rescuing the draw just after the hour mark with Friday’s visitors a goal down at the interval. It was a dominant second half display as Slutsk went on to retain their spot in the European qualification places.
Off-season departures
Shakhtyor Soligorsk capped an excellent 2019 campaign finishing in third a cut above the rest. A comfortable 15 points clear of Dinamo Minsk in fourth, and that led to a lot of transfer interest in some of their players, hinting at the cause of this slow start. In the last head-to-head Yuri Kovalev bagged a hattrick in the 5-0 win and since has left for Arsenal Tula in the Russian Premier League, the other two key losses went to direct rivals.
Elis Bakaj was the standout contributing 10 goals and 10 assists before being swept away from Soligorsk to Brest and in that the home of the reigning champions. They also lost top scorer Nikolai Yanusk to Isloch Minsk, his 2019 tally was 11 goals and three assists, Kovalev managed six goals and one assist, so it is understandable this dip at the start of a campaign. Losing that weight of productivity in front of goal would harm any team.
Soligorsk will use their fury at failing to take all three points from the Smolevichi game and may get over the line in this one, whichever way it goes Slutsk have looked good so far this term, so I look to the Asian lines once more.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Slutsk continue their excellent start to the season and climb to the top of the Belarusian Premier League with an excellent smash and grab 2-1 win. It was another frustrating game for Soligorsk who missed a second half penalty and a guilt edged chance in additional time.