Who will advance to the next round?
The second leg of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round between Belarusian side BATE Borisov and Albanian champions Partizani Tirana is still wide open for both teams.
In the first leg in Tirana, the teams parted with a 1-1 draw. It is unlikely that the draw will be repeated, as BATE Borisov have a decisive advantage: they now have their own fans behind them and can thus secure qualification for the next round.
Obviously, this is the first time that a draw will be possible.
Although there was no winner in the first meeting, it is to be expected that both teams will pick up where they left off with open sights. This is also supported by the results and form in their national leagues. BATE Borisov, for example, had some initial difficulties in the Vysheyshaya League and have now been able to catch themselves somewhat, an interim conclusion expressed by the current fourth place in the league.
BATE Borisov – Statistics & current form
With just six wins from 14 games, BATE can be reasonably satisfied, but coach Kirill Alshevskiy would certainly like a little more. In the first meeting against Partizani, it was also evident that the gears in midfield are not yet meshing as the coach would like. However, the form curve is pointing strongly upwards, as the men from Belarus have been victorious in three of their last five matches. The big snag: Especially in front of the home crowd, the engine faltered. Borisov won only four of their eleven home games in the competition.
The Zholo-Sinies were only able to make up for this shortcoming with a three-goal win against Soligorsk, although caution must be exercised, as the match took place on quasi “home soil” in Hungary. The Blue and Yellows, as they are called, are in a high of form with three wins and now a draw against Partizani. It is therefore not set in stone that BATE will be victorious at home again in the Champions League qualifiers.
BATE with strong xG values at home
Another look at the BATE Borisov vs Partizani Tirana tip goes in the direction of the goal statistics. Here it is noticeable: At home, Borisov have a juicy Expected-Goals value of 1.80, despite the defeats, and are putting the ball in the net 2.57 times on average. In the BATE Borisov vs. Partizani Tirana forecast, you can therefore statistically assume that goals will be scored in this clash.
In addition, the team has consolidated somewhat and will surely want to close the bag at home to advance to the next round. Should Borisov score first, as they did in the first leg, Partizani will have to risk more and open up at the back, which could provide further gaps. BATE will certainly want to live up to its role as favourites as an experienced UEFA Cup team. The team has also been spared from retirements so far and therefore seems to be ready for the upcoming match.
Predicted line-up of BATE Borisov:
Kudravets – Jimog, Bane, Khadarkevich, Nechaev – Grechikho, Bocherov, Gromyko – Kontsevoj, Antilevski, Lakevich
Partizani – Statistics & current form
Partizani have fewer international games under their belt and therefore run under the radar for some observers. But the serial champions of the Albanian Abissnet Superiore created many chances in the first encounter and are in splendid form. Three wins, two draws from the last five games, unbeaten for nine games and also a high average goal yield of around two goals per game actually promise a goal festival.
The numbers go even further, as Partizani consistently exuded goal threat on the offensive last season: The attack around Mba, Cara and Victor has always scored in the last 17 matches. The BATE Borisov vs FK Partizani odds therefore offer to bet on the visitors to score.
With Zoran Zekic to international success?
For Partizani, the next round would be a reward for their really strong season last season. Zoran Zekic’s team narrowly snatched the title from city rivals KF Tirana. The “Red Bulls” had the same number of points as KF, but the direct duel decided the higher table position.
As a result, coach Giovanni Colella surprisingly left and Zekic took over from Slaven Belupo. In his first game of the first round of the Champions League qualifiers, he relied on a 4-4-2 with a midfield diamond, which is very well suited for offensive pressing. If Partizani want to win away from home, the duels on the wing with Kontsevoy and Malkevich will be decisive. Furthermore, newcomer Taipi will have to be dispensed with in the attacking midfield, as he is expected to take a break due to muscular problems.
Predicted line-up of Partizani:
Qirko – Hadroj, Sota, Sembene, Atanaskoski – Rrapaj, Mehmeti, Murataj – Da Silva, Mensah, Cara
BATE Borisov – Partizani Direct comparison / H2H-balance
The teams drew 1-1 in the first leg in Tirana, with the visitors taking the lead through striker Dmitriy Antilevskiy before Partizani equalised through Tedi Cara. From the start, Tirana had more of the game and were desperate for the opening goal in front of their home crowd, but apart from two Mba chances and long-range shots from Rrabaj, they remained rather harmless. BATE were not impressed by the cauldron of witches and counter-attacked dangerously again and again before the Belarusians scored in the second half thanks to Antilevskiy. The game could well be more open due to Partizani’s attacking approach.
BATE Borisov – Partizani tip
For these reasons, the BATE Borisov vs Partizani Tirana prediction is in favour of the visitors. It is very likely that both teams will neutralise each other in attack, even if Tirana’s system currently looks a touch more stable and the team is in excellent form away from home.
Further, Borisov will lack home advantage as the match will once again be played in Hungary, so the odds are uneven with Tirana. For the BATE Borisov vs Partizani Tirana tip, our recommendation goes in the direction of an away win. We are betting three units for this one.
