Torpedo looking toward top spot
High-flying Torpedo BeLAZ take on Premier League newcomers Ruh Brest on Sunday. Can the home side continue their excellent start to the new season? Have a read of our preview here:
Torpedo by name, Torpedo by nature
What a start it has been to the new season for Torpedo BeLAZ. They have come flying out of the blocks and sit second only on goal difference after the first five rounds of the campaign.
The fixtures have been slightly forgiving so far but in a division where parity is far closer than that of other European leagues, they have earnt their place at the top end of the table.
Slutsk are the only side with a better record than them so far and only because of having a goal difference that is four stronger than Yuri Puntus’ side.
Last weekend was seen as a real test of their metal when they travelled to perennial contenders BATE Borisov but they came through unscathed, picking up a creditable 0-0 draw.
It was a backs against the wall performance that saw the home side create 11 good chances to Torpedo’s four but Zhodino’s goalkeeper Vladimir Bushma.
They will take heart from that effort and home to add to the 10-points they have already accumulated when they face Ruh Brest this weekend.
New boys exceeding expectations
Ruh Brest were not expected to make much of an impact when they won promotion at the end of last season. They finished the campaign third in the First League, the Belarusian second tier, but have exceeded all expectations after the first five games.
Last weekend saw them beat FC Minsk at home to ensure they picked up a third win of the campaign which leaves them on seven points.
A goal of the season contender scored by Pavel Sedko at the start of the second half, was enough to secure victory and will give them confidence as they head to Zhodino on Sunday.
Torpedo BeLAZ vs Ruh Brest betting tip
The form of these two sides is not all that different after the first five rounds of the new season but Torpedo appear to be a step ahead of the newly-promoted side. With that in mind, we are backing Torpedo BeLAZ to win this one at odds of 4/6 with bet365.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
Torpedo were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Ruh Brest