BATE Borisov have been struggling badly this season and their shock passage past Elbasani in the Conference League qualifiers has only papered over the cracks. The Belarusian giants who once rubbed shoulders with the biggest names in Europe are now fighting to avoid relegation after a poor start to their domestic campaign. Changing the coach just before the European ties shows how desperate things have become in Borisov. Fans back home are not expecting miracles against stronger opposition this time around.
Team Form
Right now BATE look like a shadow of their former selves with no wins in their last few outings and plenty of defensive errors creeping into their game. Sion on the other hand finished fourth in Switzerland last term and have carried that confidence into this European run. The Swiss side have more quality in attack and their players are used to playing at a higher tempo week in week out.
- BATE sitting in the relegation zone after the opening rounds of the Belarus league
- Sion boasting better recent results and more match fitness from their domestic season
- BATE relying on penalties to scrape through the first qualifying round
- Sion last featured in European action almost ten years ago but still carry more current momentum
Tactical Analysis
Expect Sion to control the ball and stretch BATE with quick passes down the flanks. The visitors have stronger individuals who can punish any lapses in concentration from the home defence. BATE might try to sit deep and frustrate but their lack of attacking threat means they will struggle to create clear chances. The game is likely to open up after the break when Sion push for the second and third goals.
Key strengths for Sion include their set piece delivery and clinical finishing while BATEs main weakness remains their leaky backline and lack of creativity in midfield. Nigerian football fans watching this tie will recognise the pattern of a once proud team now battling against the odds.
Betting Proposal
After weighing up the current form and European experience the smart money is on the Swiss visitors to get the job done comfortably. Sion to win by two goals or more at 1.65 looks the value play for this qualifier. This line offers decent returns and fits the pattern of how these mismatched European ties often unfold.
