Bate Borisov vs. Shakhtyor Soligorsk 6/14/20 Vysshaya League Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Bate Borisov is hosting Shakhtyor Soligorsk at Borisov Arena in a derby match of round 13 in the Belarus Vysshaya League.

Bate is playing in the fantastic form over the last 2 months and they haven’t lost any of their last 11 games. Two weeks ago, Bate was also playing in the Belarus Cup finals and has won that competition. Despite not winning their last game in the Vysshaya League, Bate is still in the first place with 26 points, 2 points more than their biggest rival this season, Shakhtyor. In their last Vysshaya League match against Vitebsk on the road last weekend, Bate has had 51% of ball possession, 4 shots on goal, and 8 corner kicks. Bate was 0-2 ahead early in the second half, but as the game progress, Bate lost focus and has conceded 2 goals in 11 minutes, one in 79th minute, and the other in the 90th minute. This match ended in a 2-2 draw and Bate has unnecessarily dropped 2 points. Bate has had a slow start of the season, but their game and form have changed drastically since then and Bate has absolutely deserved to be at the top once again. Overall, Bate is the best team in Belarus, and it has been for many years now, and after losing the title last season, Bate Borisov’s dominance continues once again this season.

Shakhtyor has been playing outstanding soccer this season on both ends, but especially well on the defensive end where they conceded only 3 goals in 12 games. Absolutely fantastic accomplishment. In the attacking end, Shakhtyor has scored 17 goals and is amongst the best offensive teams in the Vysshaya League. Shakhtyor hasn’t lost any of their last 9 games, including the one against Energetik last weekend. Shakhtyor was the slightly better team in that match with 55% of ball possession, 4 shots on goal, and 10 corner kicks. Shakhtyor has scored early, in the 12th minute, and the result didn’t change again in this game. With 24 points, Shakhtyor is in second place in the standings with only 2 points less than Bate Borisov. Shakhtyor’s away record this season is 3-2-0 and surprisingly, Shakhtyor has played some of their best soccer on the road this season. Last season, Shakhtyor ended in 3rd place, just 10 points away from the top spot, but it seems that a lot has improved this season for Shakhtyor and they are now the legit contestant for the title, probably the only true threat to Bate Borisov this season, and if Shakhtyor continues to play this fantastic defense, they just might win the title, or make the season more interesting.

I know that Shakhtyor has an outstanding defense and is yet to lose a game on the road, but this the first time this season that Shakhtyor is playing against Bate Borisov, the best team in the Vysshaya League, and the team that scored 25 goals in 12 games. When playing at home, Bate has not lost to Shakhtyor in the last 13 games, and Bate Borisov’s home record this season is 4-1-0. I will try my luck on goals here.