BATE have played cup game against Minsk a few days ago and won in both matches and qualified to the next phase. That match gave them confidence and good atmosphere in front of Europe League game. They will host Portuguese team Benfica with idea to win something in that match and to show good performance in that competition. For this encounter they have available again two important players Kryvets and Skavysh, ready to enter the field from the first minute. On the other side Igor Shitov, maybe the best defender of Belarus is out and that is big missing. On Wednesday, it will be plus 5-7 degrees and good weather condition so we can expect good football. BATE’s coach also has gotten title of the best coach in Belarus and that will boost players moral and his authority. He has called fans to come and support his team in this important duel. Currently, season is finished in Belarus and this cup games have been good opportunity to prepare for Europe League encounter.
Benfica will probably play with reserve squad
Benfica are great team with internationals all over the world. They have Brazilian, Spanish, Uruguayan players and with such high profile squad, Benfica can win against any opponent. But lately they have some problems with realization. In the last league game they have played without goals against Sporting and before that, they lost in cup match against Vitoria Guimaraes 0:1. Now, they travel to Belarus in order to play League Europe match without any importance for them. They have already qualified to the next phase and probably will play with some reserve players in this match. But Jorge Jesus thinks only about win and he want to overwrite the first position in the group. As it has been usual in this competition, goalkeeper Julio Cesar will be the owner of the Benfica goal. He has also called Victor Miguel and David Luiz to replace Luisao and Sydney in midefield. Junior player Roderick Miranda will get chance in the Benfica squad and all these changes could cause different performance with communication problems.
Hosts have good chance to avoid defeat
Hosts are more interested to win something from this match. BATE have finished with league competition winning title and they have qualified to the quarterfinals of the cup competition so this match is their only worry now. Guests are fighting for the first position in domestic league and since they have already qualified to the next round, they will play relaxed without pressure and with reserve squad. All these facts are enough to try with “BATE not to lose”.
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Prediction:
Tip: 1X
Odd: 2.00
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 6 /10
Tipster: Kather
