All eyes will be on the Belarus Premier League this weekend. While most domestic leagues across Europe are on hold for now, football goes ahead in Belarus and 888sport punters will notice… Up For 8 is back!
Yes, that’s right – our free football predictor game is back. Get involved now for your chance to win up to £8,000, simply make your picks on all eight Belarus Premier League fixtures in the pool before Friday’s 3pm deadline to enter.
If you need any help with your selections, our writer is here with his football tips and odds on this weekend’s matches. Without further ado, scroll down for our Belarus Premier League tips, starting with Belshina Bobruisk vs Gorodeya…
FRIDAY 3RD APRIL
Belshina Bobruisk vs Gorodeya (3pm)
Belshina have struggled to make an impression this season, losing both league games since returning to the Belarus Premier League. However, this contest offers a genuine chance of victory – and they will need to win games like this to avoid relegation.
Currently rooted to the bottom of the table, Gorodeya have been slow out of the blocks this year. The visitors have failed to score in each of their two fixtures this season and we could be set for a low-scoring affair at Spartak Stadium on Friday afternoon.
This probably won’t turn out to be the game of the weekend. I’ve gone with the hosts (5/4) in my Up For 8 tips but not with any real confidence.
TIP: Belshina Bobruisk to win @ 5/4
Dinamo Minsk vs Torpedo Belaz Zhodino (5pm)
One of the most famous teams in Belarussian football, Dinamo Minsk have slumped to back-to-back defeats to start 2020. However, their poor run will surely end at some point in the near future and this is an ideal opportunity for the hosts to kickstart their season.
The visitors haven’t been flashy but they have been efficient and effective, winning both of their matches by the odd goal. Torpedo-Belaz Zhodino do not have the prestige or history of Dinamo Minsk but they will be difficult to break down based on their recent efforts.
The 27/25 available for Dinamo Minsk to prevail is exceptional value. Yes, they’ve struggled in recent games but class should tell in this contest.
TIP: Dinamo Minsk to win @ 27/25
SATURDAY 4TH APRIL
Shakhtyor Soligorsk vs Neman Grodno (1:30pm)
Shakhtyor were touted as outside contenders to win the Belarus Premier League before the start of the 2020 season but the hosts have been a bit of a mixed bag in recent weeks. Can last week’s away win over Gorodeya kickstart their campaign?
Meanwhile, Neman are unlikely to challenge at the top of the table but should be strong enough to avoid relegation. Unfortunately, they are one of a few clubs stuck in mid-table limbo but they are certainly capable of securing a major scalp every now and then.
I can’t see that happening on Saturday though. The hosts will be looking to run riot and the 33/100 should be snapped up for a Shakhtyor win.
TIP: Shakhtyor Soligorsk to win @ 33/100
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BATE Borisov vs Ruh Brest (3:30pm)
After a slow start to the 2020 campaign, BATE can claim their first points of the season on Saturday afternoon. The hosts finished second in the table last season but have failed to inspire confidence in recent games – that will change sooner rather than later.
Ruh Brest sent shockwaves across the Belarus Premier League when beating Dinamo Minsk on the opening weekend. However, the visitors slumped to a disappointing home defeat last time out and Aleksandr Sednyov will be demanding an improved effort from his players.
It isn’t much of a price but BATE should prove too strong for their opponents here. Take the 3/10 for a comfortable home triumph.
TIP: BATE to win @ 3/10
Dinamo Brest vs Slavia Mozyr (5:30pm)
Crowned champions for the first time in 2019, Dinamo Brest are unbeaten in two league games this season. The hosts lost just once in 30 Belarus Premier League matches last year so punters will be expecting Dinamo Brest to go close in their pursuit of glory here.
However, Slavia Mozyr surprised everyone when beating BATE last weekend and another upset on Saturday night will enhance their status as contenders. While you could make a viable case for BATE starting slowly, Slavia were well worth the three points in that clash.
Dinamo Brest are red hot favourites to prevail but I think the draw (17/5) is worth chancing at much better odds.
TIP: Match to be drawn @ 17/5
SUNDAY 5TH APRIL
Energetik BGU vs FC Minsk (12pm)
Both teams head into this contest with 100% winning records and Energetik BGU will be quietly confident on home turf. The hosts were dominant against BATE on the opening weekend and they have lost just one of their last five home games in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Minsk snatched an impressive victory over rivals Dinamo Minsk last time out. An opening day success over newly promoted Belshina was nothing to shout about but the way they played on that day suggests they are dark horses in the Belarus Premier League.
The first goal could be crucial in this contest and I’m going with Minsk (5/4) to edge past their opponents on Sunday afternoon.
TIP: FC Minsk to win @ 5/4
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Vitebsk vs Smolevichy (2pm)
Vitebsk lost just six home league games in 2019 but most of those came in the second half of the campaign. The hosts secured a narrow victory over Gorodeya last weekend and fans will be hoping to make it back-to-back home wins to start the new season.
Having secured promotion to the Belarus Premier League last season, Smolevichy’s main aim is to avoid relegation. The visitors beat Vitebsk in the Belazovets Friendly Tournament back in January and some punters will be tempted to back Smolevichy to claim three points here.
Both teams have scored just one goal apiece this campaign and it would be foolish to expect fireworks. The 5/4 for a home win carries most appeal.
TIP: Vitebsk to win @ 5/4
FC Isloch vs FC Slutsk (4pm)
Isloch have done what they’ve needed to do so far this season. Two wins from two games with two goals scored doesn’t exactly scream title contenders but supporters are quietly confident of a strong campaign – a third win in a row will only enhance those aspirations.
Meanwhile, Slutsk fell short against Dinamo Brest last time out but looked strong enough against Slavia-Mozyr on the opening weekend. The visitors have plenty of potential but consistency has been an issue for a number of years and results are so up and down.
Again, this is another tricky contest to predict. If in doubt, side with the home team and 3/4 for Isloch to prevail could be the way to go.
TIP: FC Isloch to win @ 3/4
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Sergei Grits / AP Photo*
