So far they have gone about the business of qualifying comfortably. They beat SJK 4-2 on aggregate last time out, and they only drew their away game 2-2 because they lost concentration when they went 4-0 up on aggregate in the first half.
This result made it five wins and two draws for BATE since their last defeat, which has left them in a familiar position at the top of the Belarus Premier League with 35 points from their 15 games, eight more than their nearest rivals. This comfortable lead will allow them to focus all their efforts on the Champions League qualification process.
Dundalk are also sitting pretty atop of their domestic league. They have a six point cushion over 2nd placed Cork City after 18 games played, and they look good value to retain their title this season.
Their chances in Europe are less pronounced. They managed two draws against Icelandic champions FH in the 2nd qualifying round, with the 2-2 draw away from home being enough to send them through on away goals. However, they have only managed to win ten of their 53 European matches in their history, losing a significant 31 of them.
Dundalk are likely to set up defensively in this match, but I’m not sure how long they will hold out for. BATE have scored 12 goals in their last four home matches and won them all, and Dundalk showed that their defence isn’t overly good away from home when they conceded two against FH last time out.
If BATE get an early goal I think we could be in for a high scoring match on Tuesday, and I’m backing Over 2.5 Goals at excellent value odds of 5/4 for my main prediction along with a 2-1 win for BATE at 9/1 for my correct score prediction.
These two met in the Champions League 2nd Qualifying Round last year, with BATE coming away with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Stats
57% of BATE's last 16 home matches have seen Over 2.5 Goals, as have 73% of Dundalk's last 11 on the road.
Centre back Nemanja Milunovic is sidelined with a knee injury.
Centre back Brian Gartland will miss out after breaking his wrist recently. Watch Live stream free Click Here | Link 2#
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