Energetik-BGU Minsk vs FC Minsk

It’s an early-season top of the table clash in Belarus’ Vysshaya League as in form teams Energetik-BGU Minsk and neighbours FC Minsk go head to head this weekend with both teams tied at the top with 2 wins from 2 games played.

ENERGETIK-BGU

Energetik has had a brilliant start to the season winning the two games they have played, scoring 4 goals in the process and only conceding a single goal. They followed up an unexpected 3-1 upset win against 15-times champions BATE Borisov in the season opener with a solid 1-0 victory away to Rukh Brest. Against Rukh on the road, Energetik were second best for most of the game but they defended resolutely once they scored and held onto the advantage to win 0-1. Their home record in recent games gives them a lot of confidence heading into this clash as they are unbeaten in five outings (four wins and a draw) across this season and last, a run stretching back to October 2019. Vladimir Belyavskiy’s men survived relegation zone last season by the skins of their teeth, finishing in 14th place with a measly 30 points and just a single point outside the relegation zone. Their fans will no doubt be very excited with the change of fortunes to begin this season and they head into this game brimming with confidence.

There are no injury worries for Energetik at the moment. What they lack in depth, they compensate for in effort. New signings Artem Sokol, Jasur Yakhshiboev and Junior Atemengue have impressed and will continue in the starting XI. Midfielder David Tweh will look to add to his two assists against BATE Borisov in the opening game and continue his strong partnership with Aleksey Nosko. Uzbekistan youngster Jasurbek Yakhshiboev has been a steal for Energetik. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder on loan from Pakhtakor Tashkent scored a brace against BATE on his debut for Energetik. His scorching runs from the midfield could cause some problems for a Minsk defence that has been far from solid this season.

The home side are unbeaten in two top-flight meetings with Minsk, as the pair have only met twice in the league’s current format. Last time the two teams met, Energetik recorded a memorable 6-1 away win.

FC MINSK

Sitting pretty atop of the standings, FC Minsk have been in imperious form in the Vysshaya League. Going back to the end of last season, they are now unbeaten in 6 league games. Like their opponents, Minsk head into this derby clash with six points after winning their opening two games of the league campaign scoring six goals in those two games. They set the ball rolling with a 3-1 win at Belshina Bobruisk before a thrilling 3-2 home win over another capital rival Dinamo Minsk. This will, therefore, be their second capital city derby in a week after defeating Dinamo Minsk 3-2 last weekend in a match in which they got off the gates brilliantly with a clinical 3-0 half time lead before being pegged back by two second-half Dinamo goals but held on for those three crucial points.

FC Minsk finished a disappointing 9th place in the standings last season, missing out on European football places. They made some moves in the offseason that have shown promising returns and have been outstanding to begin this term. They had a lot of struggles on the road in recent seasons with just two wins from their last 17 away league matches but they have already shown that they have the nerve to compete away from home with an impressive away win in the Belarus Cup against a fancied BATE Borisov side and a terrific win at Belshina to kick off their league campaign.

They will be looking to exact a measure of revenge against their opponents who whooped them 6-1 at home in their last meeting. A key concern for coach Andrey Razin is FC Minsk’s defence. They have kept just one clean sheet in their last five league games. Aleksey Zaleskiy and Dmytro Ryzhuk are likely to continue their central defence partnership.

One thing the boss can look forward to is the impressive start to the season made by Vladimir Khvashchinsky. The Belarus forward, who has made four senior appearances for his country, is on loan from Shakhtyor Soligorsk and has scored in his first two league games. Midfielder Oleg Yevdokimov could return to the team after being replaced by Anton Shramchenko last week.

Possible Line Ups

BETTING TIPS AND PREDICTIONS FOR ENERGETIK-BGU V FC MISNK

Both teams have had impressive starts to the season. They have had little problems finding the back of the net in the two games they have both played this season. They provided two thrillers last season in the head to head fixtures, one ending 3-3 and Energetik winning the other one 6-1. We expect this goal-scoring trend to continue here given the attacking quality they both possess and for our first betting tip we are going with BTTS @ 1.53

Going also by the high scoring goals expectations from this game, over 2.5 goals looks like a decent shout and we are backing it for our second betting tip that you can find on Betway betting app @ 1.64

For our final betting tip, we fancy Energetik forward Jasurbek Yakhshiboev to score at any time @ 3.83. He has had a strong start for his new club. He’s very good on the ball and playing at home against a shaky Minsk defence, we expect he will get a few chances coming his way and he should be able to put at least one of those at the back of the net.