BATE vs Rukh Brest Match Preview

BATE started the new season on the wrong way losing twice in the first two rounds. Now they face newcomers Rukh Brest and are hoping to get their first win in the league. Earlier, in March, they beat twice Dinamo Minsk, 1-2 and 3-2 for the Belarusian Cup and qualified for the semifinals. 

Goalkeeper D.Scherbitsky has fully recovered from his injury and might return to the starting eleven. In addition, Croatian defender J.Filipovic who joined BATE last week is also in contention.

After their surprising win over Dynamo Minsk in the first round of the season, Rukh Brest lost at home to FC Energetik-BGU Minsk in the last weekend. They are newly promoted from Belarusian First League through the playoffs. After two rounds played and having also played ten preparation games (5-1-4) they seem ready to be competitive in the top level of Belarusian football.

Newcomer Moldovian international attacking midfielder G.Andronic will be available for selection in this one. On the contrary, 18-year-old Nigerian midfielder S.Nwafor who also joined FC Rukh, for now, trains with the reserve team.

Despite their unsuccessful start, BATE are firm favourites to get the three points here. Rukh Brest didn’t lose a single away league match last season playing for the Belarusian First League, having scored 36 goals in their 14 outings!

However, this one is a completely different game, against a more experienced team that target their first league will. Goals are expected here, BATE will definitely attack, but I expect also from Rukh Brest to score. Over 2.5 goals is my call in this one.