Energetik-BGU vs Smolevichi-STI: Predictions & Betting Odds

Both of these teams are incredibly out of form and are looking to bounce back on the season with a win against each other. Despite Energetik’s strong start, they’ve looked like an entirely different team in their last three matches. Smolevichi, on the other hand, have been able to take some consolations from their matches, despite having two draws in their last three. We predict these teams will cancel each other’s effort out.

WSN Pick’s: Energetik BGU 1-1 Smolevichi

The odds for Energetik BGU – Smolevichi are provided by BetRivers, DraftKings Sportsbook, and 888Sport NJ.

What: Energetik BGU vs Smolevichi

Where: Stadyen Haradski, Barysaw (Borisov)

When: Friday, 1 May 2020, 9:00 AM EST

How (TV): bet365 Live Stream

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Smolevichi

Previous Fixture: Smolevichi 1-3 Dinamo Minsk

Match Highlights (24-04-2020)

Manager

Aleksandr Brazevich {Current: 0-3-3 (15th in Vysheyshaya Liga) | Top Scorer: Multiple Players (1) | Form: LDDL}

Expected Starting XI

(GK) #1 A. Filtsov – (DEF) #5 E. Zhevnerov, #4 A. Bondarenko, #99 M. Alibekov, #49 A. Dzhigero – (MID) #20 K. Kotov, #7 A. Makarov, #22 A. Butarevich – (FWD) #8 E. Barsukov, #9 V. Mukhamedov, #97 J. Poé

Despite making their way back to the top flight after last season, Smolevichi has struggled to adjust. Smolevichi has failed to win a match so far this season and only has three goals in six matches.

With only six games played, Smolevichi are in the relegation zone with more than a single match needed to make their way to safety. While not an insurmountable task, it is a dangerous position to be in this early in the season.

Smolevichi’s attack has been dreadful so far this season. There is only one team with a worse attacking record than them. Especially dreadful considering only one of Smolevichi’s goals has come from open play.

FC Energetik BGU

Previous Fixture: Neman Grodno (3-0) Energetik BGU

Match Highlights (24-04-2020)

Manager

Vladimir Belyavskiy {Current: 3-0-3 (7th in Vysheyshaya Liga) | Top Scorer: Jasurbek Yaxshiboev (3) | Form: LLLW}

Expected Starting XI

(GK) #44 D. Sadovskiy – (DEF) #6 A. Sokol, #9 E. Yudchits, #10 J. Mawatu, #4 A. Shkurdyuk, #15 A. Svirepa – (MID) #2 A. Nosko, #22 D. Tweh, – (FWD) #7 J. Yaxshiboev, #18 A. Musahagian, #3 J. Atemengue

Vladimir Belyavskiy was thrilled when his side came flying out of the gate to open the season. After winning their first three matches and sitting near the top of the table, it looked like Energetik was on pace for a dream season.

Despite their hot start, they’ve fallen as quickly as they’ve risen. Despite handling their first three matches, Energetik have lost their most recent three matches and have failed to score a goal.

A lot can be said of Energetik’s inability to poach some goals, while their backline has been awful as of late. Despite being competitive in possession, Energetik’s defense has failed them in the most crucial moments. They will have to sort out their issues if they hope to stop a desperate Smolevichi side.

What’s at Stake?

Over a total of 15 previous meetings, Smolevichi have the upper hand against Energetik BGU. Smolevichi has seven wins to Energetik’s four, with four draws between them. The two clubs have alternated wins and losses since 2016.

A win for Smolevichi would, at most, keep them where they are at 15th in the league table.

A win for Energetik BGU could send them as high as second in the league table.

SMO: (DEF) #5 Eduard Zhevnerov

Active Prop: Player to Score (+1700)

Much of Smolevichy’s troubles start at the back and veteran center-back Eduard Zhevnerov has failed to be a steadying force so far this season. Poor passing in possession, a lack of awareness with his center back partner, and careless challenging have been lowlights of his play so far. He clearly has the quality to be an effective center-back – his success will define Smolevichy’s ability to pull themselves out of relegation.

ENE: (FWD) #7 Jasurbek Yaxshiboev

Active Prop: First Goal Scorer (+480)

Jasurbek Yaxshiboev got off to a hot start for Energetik this season. With three goals in his first three games, it seemed as if he would be an attacking focal point for Energetyk. He’s cooled off significantly though, with some knocks to make matters worse. Energetik will be desperate to climb back up the table on top of ending their three-match losing streak. Yaxshiboev will be central to their success.