BATE Borisov vs Barcelona Prediction and Preview – 20/10/15
Champions League preview – BATE Borisov vs Barcelona prediction
BATE Borisov are without both Vitali Rodionov and Maksim Zhavnerchik, who are injured. However, this does not prevent manager Aleksandr Yermakovich from selecting the same team which started in the win over Roma, something which he will be tempted to do.
Barcelona have injuries to a couple of key players, namely Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta. Rafinha is also sidelined, meaning another start in midfield for Sergi Roberto is possible. Luis Enrique may opt to play Munir El Haddadi, alongside Luis Suarez and Neymar in attack.
Possible Line-ups
BATE Borisov: 4-2-3-1 formation: Chernik; Polyakov, Dubra, Milunovic, Mladenovic; Nikolic, Yablonski; Stasevich, Volodko, Gordeychuk; Signevich
Barcelona: 4-3-3 formation: Stegen; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Roberto; Neymar, Suarez, Haddadi
Statistics
- BATE Borisov have won 6, drawn 2 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
- Barcelona have won 7, drawn 1 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, BATE Borisov have scored an average of 2 goals and conceded an average of 1.2 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Barcelona have scored an average of 2 goals and conceded an average of 1.3 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of BATE Borisov’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Barcelona’s previous 10 matches
Prediction
BATE Borisov were not expected to make many waves in Champions League Group E and having lost their opening game 4-1 in Leverkusen, those expectations looked to be coming true. However, an excellent first half display against Roma, coupled with some poor defending, allowed BATE to claim their first win of the group and they sit level with Leverkusen on 3 points. BATE are unbeaten in their last five games and will go in to the game with confidence.
Barcelona have had a mixed time of late and the injury plus press reports surrounding Lionel Messi have not helped. However, having lost at Sevilla before the international break, Barcelona returned to league action with a 5-2 win over Ray Vallecano and sit top of Group E on 4 points. After scoring 4 goals at the weekend, Neymar will be looking to add to his tally once more and Barcelona have put 9 goals past their opponents in their previous two meetings.
If BATE can perform to the same level they did against Roma, especially in the first half, they could make things difficult for Barcelona. However, the away team have the talent to cope and should come away with the win.
Tips
Barcelona win at 3/10 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Barcelona win and BTTS at 15/8 – Click here to bet with Bet365
Barcelona win by 2 goals at 3/1 – Click here to bet with Bet365
What are your predictions?
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