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Both teams would have likely preferred an easier draw in this Champions League qualifying second round, but they will have to take it as it is and hope to start well in the first leg in Belarus.
BATE Borisov is obviously a very experienced side and they will look to reach the group stages yet again, for the 6th time in the last 8 years. The way they`re playing domestically, they might just be able to achieve that. Last season wasn`t really BATE`s best, they struggled in the league and were humbled in the UCL group stages, but this year they are really dominating in Belarus – 14 games, 12 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses and an 8 point advantage over Dimano Minsk. All this while playing only 5 times at home, winning all those games without allowing a single goal.
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Dundalk is also in mid season right now and their results are very similar to the ones of BATE – 16-2-1 record in 19 games and a 9 point advantage over the second place. Dundalk has one of the best teams in the last decade of Irish football (not particularly talent, but tactics, chemistry, level of football) and was hoping to do some noise this season in Europe – but it will all be over if they don`t get past BATE. Last year Dundalk was knocked out in the Europa League qualifying stages by Hajduk, but they won the away leg 2-1 after losing 2-0 at home.
Both teams are in fine form right now, dominating their domestic competitions with authority, so it`s pretty much just about the fact that the Belarussian league is stronger. However, the odds for BATE are really short and there are enough premises for an upset – Dundalk’s great form, their confidence, the win they got at Hajduk last year. The bookies opened with almost 1.50 for a BATE win, but the price dropped big time. I believe the initial odds were much more fair, so my tip here is Dundalk +1,5 handicap. BATE will probably edge it, but it should be close. Reasonable stakes though. Prediction: BATE Borisov – Dundalk 2-1.
Pick: Dundalk +1,5
Odds: 1.65 @ SmartLiveSports
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 4.55
Event date: 15 July
