Smolevichi face ultimate challenge of BATE

Smolevichi are at home for the fifth time in six matchdays this Sunday, taking on the form side in the division in BATE Borisov. The hosts have struggled to acclimatise since their promotion, only managing three draws from the opening seven matches, they are five points from Neman Grodno in 14^th, they need to start arresting the slide if they are to compete against the drop, the visit of BATE is a bit of a free hit with no expectations on their shoulders. Borisov are massive favourites for this one and have won without conceding in five of their last six outings.

Last time out

Smolevichi were wasteful and outclassed in their last game, going down 2-0 at home to Energetik-BGU, the win thrusting the visitors back up into fourth position. The first half was quite even, but it was obvious the Students had more experience and cutting edge on the attack, David Tweh broke the deadlock on 17 minutes.

They asserted their authority on proceedings further in the second period where the hosts only managed one shot on target, there were two red cards for second yellow card offences, first Aliaksandr Svirepa then two minutes later Smolevichi evened up the numbers when Konstantin Kotov received his marching orders. With the newly promoted Smolevichi gunning for an equaliser, they were hit on the break and goalkeeper Aleksandr Filtsov conceded a last-minute penalty that Jasur Yakshiboev dispatched returning to the summit of the scoring charts in the process.

Borisov have only conceded once in their last six Belarusian Premier League games, not great reading for Smolevichi who have only bagged thrice so far this campaign. They beat Neman Grodno 3-1 at Borisov Arena last Sunday, Grodno gave everything they had and BATE had to play well to see out the victory, having raced into a two-goal lead inside 17 minutes.

One to watch

28-year-old forward Anton Saroka has started the season brightly, he is in his second year with the club since joining from Lokeren. The former Gorodeya and Dinamo Minsk marksman has a prolific record at international level, notching seven times in just 15 caps for Belarus is a ratio most strikers would love to boast for their nation. He has already equaled his tally for last term, making five appearances so far, Saroka will be a constant thorn in the side of the Smolevichi backline, fresh from experiencing squad rotation.

This is a mismatch and Smolevichi will need to be at their best to avoid a hiding on Sunday afternoon.

Smolevichi – BATE Borisov Betting Tip

BATE Borisov (-1) Handicap + Both Teams to Score No with 888sport at odds of 23/25.

Bet BATE Borisov (-1) Handicap + Both Teams to Score No on 888sport