FC Minsk vs BATE Borisov Predictions

• FC Minsk have lost just one of their last 11 home games in the Belarus Premier League, winning nine of them.
• BATE have lost their last three away games in all competitions.
• BATE have scored in each of their last 11 away games in the Belarus Premier League.
• Minsk have averaged 2.0 goals per game this season.

Early signs point towards Minsk resurgence

FC Minsk became the latest victims of the in-form Energetik-BGU last weekend as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat away from home, but Sunday’s hosts have still enjoyed an impressive start to the new Belarusian Premier League campaign.

They opened the season with a 3-1 win over the newly promoted Belshina before getting one over rivals Dinamo Minsk in gameweek two, although that turned into a more nerve-wracking match than it should have as the 10 men of Dinamo Minsk almost came back from a 3-0 deficit.

It certainly looks like Minsk could be on the cusp of a resurgence. They finished 9th last season after two consecutive seasons outside the top 10, and two wins from three this term puts them in a good position to make a further push at the top half of the table.

BATE struggle to find their feet

BATE Borisov may have clinched their first league win of the season last weekend, but the psychological damage inflicted after losing the Premier League title for the first time since 2005 is still having a negative impact on the team.

The visitors could only manage a 1-0 win at home to Rukh Brest last weekend, and they followed that with a dismal offering in the Belarusian Cup semi-final on Wednesday as they lost 1-0 to Slavia Mozyr. They have now lost three of their last four games and already find themselves six points off the top spot they’re so accustomed to occupying.

Minsk look for upset at the Dinamo Stadium

Despite this dreadful start to the season, BATE are odds on favourites to get the three points on Sunday. They have failed to win five of their last 10 Premier League away games and face a Minsk side that have only lost one of their last 11 league home games. Backing a Minsk win or draw double chance looks excellent value.

We actually think the hosts can take all three points on Sunday too. They have won nine of their last 11 home games in the Belarus Premier League and opponents BATE have lost their last three on the road in all competitions. BATE have, however, scored in each of their last 11 away league games and, with Minsk averaging two goals per game this season a 2-1 correct score prediction looks attractive.