BATE Borisov have already done more than expected by scraping through the first round of Conference League qualifiers against Albanian side Elbasani on penalties after failing to win either leg. Those glory days when the Belarusians reached the Champions League proper feel like ancient history now as the team sits deep in the relegation zone after the opening rounds of their domestic league. A new coach was brought in just before the European campaign started but the financial squeeze and drop in standards mean they are a shadow of their former selves.
Team Form
Right now BATE look shaky at best with no real momentum coming into this tie. Sion on the other hand finished a strong fourth in the Swiss league last season ahead of big names like Young Boys and Basel which earned them this European chance. The Swiss side have not featured in Europe much lately with their last real run dating back almost ten years but they arrive with better recent domestic results and more stability.
- BATE have zero wins in their last four competitive games
- Sion picked up solid points against top Swiss clubs before the break
- BATE sit bottom half in Belarus league with poor goal difference
- Sion boast better attacking options and fresher legs
Tactical Analysis
BATE will likely sit deep and try to frustrate Sion hoping for another lucky night on set pieces or penalties but their lack of squad depth could hurt them over ninety minutes. Sion should control the midfield and use their pace on the wings to stretch the tired Belarusian defence creating plenty of chances. Expect the Swiss visitors to dominate possession and look for quick transitions that expose BATE’s high defensive line.
Key strengths for Sion include their organized pressing and clinical finishing while BATE struggle with creativity and fitness after a long domestic season. Weaknesses on the Belarus side show up in transition defence and poor away form in recent years.
Betting Proposal
Given the gap in current form and European experience this season the smart play leans towards the visitors covering a solid margin. Sion to win away by two goals or more at handicap 2 (-1.5) with odds of 1.65 looks the value selection for this Conference League qualifier.
