BATE Borisov vs FH Hafnarfjordur

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Today’s featured game is the UEFA Champions League Qualifier in Belarus between reigning Vysshaya Liga champions BATE Borisov and reigning Urvalsdeild champions FH Hafnarfjordur. Both sides are vastly experienced in European competition over the past few years so I’m expecting a good game of football today based on that reasoning alone.

However, my concern is that BATE are simply too strong for FH. We’ve already seen Torpedo Zhodino effectively destroy Fylkir Reykjavik in European competition this year despite the Belarusian side being in the pits of despair morale-wise and not scoring goals as a result. Despite that, Torpedo smashed three goals past a Fylkir side that I consider to be amongst the top four sides in Iceland, which proved decisive in the tie. They’re two different sides to today’s two sides and it was a different competition but there’s still information to take from such an occurrance.

Since BATE Borisov burst onto the European Champions League scene back in 2007, there have only been two home games where they’ve not actually scored, which were forgivably at home to Real Madrid and Zenit St.Petersburg. In that time, BATE have managed to score two against Juventus, Anderlecht, Steaua Bucharest, and even FH’s title rivals Valur Reykjavik, just to name a few. BATE are very much an accomplished side in European competition due to their financial backing and they should remain there for some time to come. They’re solid defensively and clinical in front of goal which is why the odds are so short on the home win because frankly they’re by far the better side.

Visitors FH are a side that you all know I hold in high esteem but I fear they’re going to be outclassed today. They’re facing a much better side than they’re capable of dealing with and haven’t started well domestically this season. FH have always had problems scoring goals away from home in the European Champions League and given their woeful domestic form this season, I think we’ll see more of the same, particularly against a strong BATE Borisov side that don’t like to concede goals. Ironically, the last side that FH didn’t lose to away from home was BATE Borisov back in 2007. However, times have changed enough for me to be convinced that FH cannot defend at the moment and BATE Borisov are looking untouchable so you have to favour the hosts today.

I see a clear advantage for the hosts not only with home advantage but also with their superior quality. FH aren’t what they were whereas BATE have maintained a similar standard but with more experience. I don’t envision any other result than a home win today and I think that BATE should really ease to victory here, particularly with the growing class difference between the two leagues. For me, the odds on the handicap should be shorter than they are so there should be some value in backing BATE -1.75 today.

Verdict: BATE Borisov to beat the -1.75 goal handicap at 17/20.

Wednesday’s Picks

My tips:

As ever, below are my recommended value tips for today in no particular order:

Ekranas Panevezys vs HJK Helsinki – home win at 13/10.

Risky, but worth a punt. Vetra of Lithuania eased past HJK last year in the Europa Leaguel, which was a surprise at the time but has began to make sense now. Finnish football is improving domestically but not on the European scene yet. HJK’s form this season has been rather deceptive, in my eyes - they’re not at the top of their game, they’re conceding too easily, and they’re not penetrating solid defences. All of those characteristics tend to be displayed during their European campaigns, however, which is what I’m banking on today. Ekranas don’t have a favourable record in European competition but one thing they always bring to their games is goals, something which HJK often lack in European competition. I should point out that HJK won at Vetra last year before being crushed at home so do approach with caution here. However, Ekranas are just as good (if not better!) than Vetra so they’re certainly capable of emulating them. Both sides are mid-season but only one of those sides is looking like the champions that they are and that’s Ekranas. For me, this should be a narrow home win and there’s value in the odds on that basis.

Verdict: Ekranas Panevezys to win at 13/10.

Linfield vs Rosenborg BK – draw half-time/away win full-time at 29/10.

I’ve spoken before of Irish/Northern Irish tenacity and I expect that to show today, hence the selection. Linfield are no match for Rosenborg on paper but Rosenborg’s hindrance is not scoring enough goals, something which Linfield can counter with their dogged tenacity. Rosenborg have the champions’ mentality – they’ve been in European competition for many years now – so I do expect them to win today against an inferior side. However, Rosenborg prefer to defend and counter-attack away from home, something that they’re not always clinical enough doing so they may just get a surprise from a vigilant Linfield today. I think Rosenborg will win the game but I don’t see them having it all their own way here so the draw at half-time/away win at full-time bet could be good value today.

Verdict: Draw at half-time/Rosenborg BK to win by full-time at 29/10.

Viikingit Helsinki vs FC Espoo – home win at 4/5.

The odds are a tad shorter than I’d like on this but Viikingit could be a bit shorter, in all honesty. FC Espoo have performed above their ability level all season and are now beginning a gradual descent. They’ve lost two consecutive games against an excellent RoPS Rovaniemi and an impotent Jippo Joensuu so FC Espoo are starting to lose their way. Morale is lowering and whereas they’re not a side that will ever give up, the fact is that quality is not on their side in the Ykkonen – yet. However, slow starters Viikingit certainly do have quality on their side and their form is beginning to show it. I was a little disappointed by their draw at OPS Oulu last match but away wins in the Ykkonen are difficult to call. The fact remains, however, that Viikingit have won four out of their last five games and scored an awful lot of goals along the way. They’re one of the better sides in this division and have now played four consecutive home games without defeat, winning their last two consecutively in emphatic fashion against a talented PoPa Pori side and doggedly against a strong KooTeePee side. Viikingit are the good side here; FC Espoo are the over-achievers. This game has “home win” written all over it in my eyes so it should be worth a shot today, although I had hoped the bookies would naively price it at evens, if I’m honest!

Verdict: Viikingit Helsinki to win at 4/5.

Accumulator fodder:

BATE Borisov, Rosenborg BK, Partizan Belgrade, Gremio.

Recommended bets:

BATE Borisov -1.75, Rosenborg BK, and Sheriff Tiraspol at 2/1

As ever, if there any questions/explanations required then please feel free to post a comment! For the remainder of my thoughts on today’s games, see below!

UEFA Champions League Qualifiers:

Aktobe Lento vs Olimpi Rustavi (6) 2-0
BATE Borisov vs FH Hafnarfjordur (8) -1.75 handicap
Ekranas Panevezys vs HJK Helsinki (6) 2-1
Sheriff Tiraspol vs Dinamo Tirana (7) 2-0
Partizan Belgrade vs Pyunik Yerevan (8) 2-1
Linfield vs Rosenborg BK (8) 0-1

Brazilian Serie A:  

Gremio vs Vitoria (8) 2-0
Atletico Paranaense vs Gremio (5) 0-0
Sao Paulo vs Avai (7) over 2.5 goals
Flamengo vs Botafogo (7) over 2.5 goals
Guarani vs Internacional (6) 1-1
Goias vs Vasco da Gama (5) 2-1
Ceara vs Corinthians (6) 1-1

Finnish Ykkonen:

Viikingit Helsinki vs FC Espoo (7)

Singaporean S-League:

Gombak United vs Geylang United (6) 2-1

Enjoy your free betting tips!

120 thoughts on “BATE Borisov vs FH Hafnarfjordur”

    • Im on it mate. Was doing really well untill yesterday! I lost a few big one’s yesterday

    • Its a website. Google it and check it out. It’s really good, but nowhere as useful as thefootytipster

    • Online Betting Guide, Just type in olbg in google and it will come up. Its a place where you can post tips and keep track of your betting for yourself to see and others also. Its ok but it does have its flaws, Like not being able to bet on some lower division games.

    • OLBG is rubbish mate, all they do is pick favourites….no reason or logic behind any of their selections just the favourite gets the nod.

    • I would use it more if people made decent preview comments like ppl on here

  2. I do, but only to browse top tips and tipster entries.

    Today i’ve a treble of friendlies: 16/5

    Melbourne Heart v EVERTON
    Peterborough v WEST HAM
    Brentford v FULHAM

    And an accumulator: 4/1

    BATE BORISOV v FH Hafnarfjordur
    FK ERKANIS v HJK Helsinki
    Linfield v ROSENBORG
    GREMIO v Vitoria

    • I have no faith in West Ham!! Plus i think Peterborough is capable of taking this one if not then a draw!

  3. Is anyone going for Juan Ignacio Chela@2.37?

    From looking at the stats my gut says Chela but I don’t understand why the bookies have priced him so long…

  4. Montanes fought back in round one
    to defeat Wimbledon doubles
    champion Philipp Petzschner 2-6,
    7-5, 6-2, a win which is much more
    impressive than it looks on paper as
    Petzschner has been enjoying the
    best form of his career by some
    distance.
    Chela sent a message to the
    Argentine Davis Cup team by
    comprehensively defeating Eduardo
    Schwank who competed for them at
    the weekend, 6-2, 7-5.
    Chela has won both his previous
    matches against Montanes but they
    were long ago, it is six years since
    they last played.
    This one could be close again but
    Montanes is enjoying his best year
    on tour and he should prevail.

  5. Sorry, thats just my opinion mate. If youve a gut feeling then go for it. ;)

  6. Hello,

    I have a question on Gremio v Vitoria. They seem really well matched. Is there a reason why Gremio is tipped to win at 8 while Sao Paulo seems likely to beat Avai and is a 7.

    Thanks!

    Also i’m having a go with Kashima and Kawasaki, the no.1 and 2 teams last season against 2 teams in the relegation zone.

    Although the “beady eyed” DPR striker Jong and Japan no. 1 GK Eji have signed for European clubs I think Kawasaki have enough quality to beat Shonan.

  7. Gombak United v Geylang United

    This match up tends to bring a very derbyish atmosphere so expect alot of cards. Gombak are generally a better team, they really should be much higher up in the table considering they finished 3rd last season and didnt change their squad much.

    The bookies price Gombak @ evens. I believe gombak should be @ 1.80 so we have an advantage over the books, although not as much as the last 2-3 games i covered where we had a bigger advantage. There is not much to say about this game, if you’d like to analyse the stats they are always at soccerway.com

    Why gombak? Well this fixture is always tight. Geylang are less likely to score so im not sure if they can find more than a goal here. Gombak thrashed woodlands in their last home game 5-0 so if they show up today they will get 2-3 past geylang easily.

    Basically, if it is an “unders” game, Geylang have the advantage, because they have the ability to hold better teams 0-0. If it is an “overs” game, Gombak have the advantage, because once they score they usually get another one. I think Gombak will win because this will be an overs game. This game is “free entry” (because the Government is trying to promote the s league) and “free entry” games are almost always over 2.5 goals so i believe backing Gombak is a good bet here.

    “Hey marz, why not we just bet over 2.5 goals then”

    Good question. Since its such a high price for a Gombak win (2.00), i believe that its better to go for the straight win, because even if its an unders game there is still a bloody good chance of Gombak conjuring 2-0, 1-0 scorelines.

    Gombak have a full squad. Geylang are missing Walid Lounis (Full back who played their last 5 games with them, where they only conceded 2 goals) and Abdul Rahim (doesnt play with the first team much, so doesnt matter if he’s out)

    Evens is a good price for Gombak, they should be shorter here so this is definately worth a bet.

    Main bet
    Gombak United @ 2.00

    • Good question. I see Kawasaki Frontale and Kashima Antlers are rated 10/10 for today. Was thinking of lumping them with Everton, and maybe 1-2 more games from China/Korea, but no inspiration there…

    • Yeah im with Alex.

      Kawasaki and Kashima make sense.

      Gamba look good as well but i would take it as a single, it could ruin multipliers.

  10. A lot of people backing Gremio today?! The Brazilian version of Wigan Athletic! Im backing Goias & Sao Paulo

  11. Hello lads. Hope everyone’s doing well. I’m done with University et al so you’ll definitely see me a lot more around here (whether that’s a good thing it’s for you to decide!)

    I’m going to post ‘short’ previews on the matches which I’m betting on today.

    Two early picks from the Japanese top tier:

    Kashima Antlers vs Shonan Bellmare

    The first of the David vs Goliath matches. Antlers are 4 points behind leaders Shimizu and will look to reduce that deficit to 1 point with this game in hand against (quite possibly) the worst team in the J-League this season. Antlers literally destroyed Nagoya last time out (away from home as well!) and will take that momentum into this game. Only worry for me is that they’ve used the World Cup break to nurse injuries and haven’t played any friendlies like their counterparts who’ve used the small break to change a few tactics et al. Shonan played Korean side Busan L’Park and looked defensively astute which says quite a lot considering their terrible record this season! So the best thing to do here is to play the straight win because Kashima have “ONLY” beaten the handicap 4 out of 11 times this season which is rancid considering their record last season. I think I might well have robbed someone on the exchange who gave me 1.42 for Antlers to win because there’s no way they should be 2/5 here. My advice is to not get too greedy as was the case with Etoile yesterday. Well done to Marz on that one.

    Kawasaki Frontale vs Omiya Ardija

    The second of the David vs Goliath matches sees a slightly weakened Frontale take on joint-bottom side Omiya. Kawasaki have sold the ‘Asian Rooney’ Mr. Jong-Tae Se after his performances at the Mundial. They’ve also sold their keeper which definitely came as a surprise to me. Regardless, the back-ups who will step up to fill the shoes of the two are no slouches I must add abruptly. Kawasaki IMHO are one of the best home teams in the J-League. They’ve got huge support and they’ll want to catch up with the top teams today by cementing a win. Omiya are consistent at being inconsistent. On their day they’re more than capable of pissing the big boys off as Kashima found out earlier this season. If you’re looking for value in a half time draw then this is it! Omiya are the kings of parking the bus but once they let one in they crumble and the flood-gates open massively. Yet again, the odds are value to me so I’ll take Kawasaki in a nice little double with Kashima.

    Being an Evertonian I feel it’s my courtesy to give a preview on today’s match against Melbourne Heart. I’ve got goosebumps typing this.

    One player who will be on top of his game today will be young Iain Turner in goal. Carlo Nash has signed for Stoke City and Moyes has allowed our new acquisition Jan Mucha of Slovakia and Tim Howard of the (mighty!) USA a breather after their exploits at the WC. Turner kept a clean sheet against Sydney FC and I expect him to do the same today with the two ‘beasts’ giving him cover in front.

    Probable line-up:

    ———————-Turner——————
    Hibbert—–Jagielka—–Distin—–Baines
    ——————–Rodwell——————-
    —–Anichebe—–Osman—–Bilyaletdinov
    ————-Vaughan—–Saha————–

    Substitutes: Coleman, Mustafi, Neville, Cahill, Gueye, Silva, Jutkiewicz

    My only worry is that we’ve got no back-up keeper! OH WAIT! The Jagielka ;)

    Cahill will make a cameo appearance in the second half for sure, as will the other new lads (Silva + Gueye – who I’m massively excited about!) and I’m sure we’ll the see the old warhorse Phil Neville in the game as well. I expect nothing less than a win here so I’ll stick Everton along with Kashima and Kawasaki.

    I’m quite possibly considering adding Sao Paolo, Gremio and Columbus Crew to that accumulator but I might just be getting too greedy! :)

    If the first acca wins then I’ll stick the winnings on the latter three teams.

    Good luck guys ;)

    • Oh and for those wondering where the likes of Pienaar and Arteta are:

      Peanuts has been given an extended break to see family in South Africa (but also to persuade the little Zulu rascal to sign a new deal!)

      Arteta is heading back to Spain for a family wedding.

      Heitinga is getting married in Ibiza – it should be quite a sending off too! BOOM-BOOM! :D

    • WB Toffeeboy! I was thinking about the same 3 games(Kashima, Kawasaki, Everton), and now that i’ve seen your previews, it gives me even more confidence. I just hope i don’t raise the stakes a bit and get slapped in the face :o (as usual)

    • Thanks mate.

      Well mate the key is not to get too greedy. The minute to start looking at the massive handicaps is when you’re in trouble.

      I fully expect all three teams mentioned to win and will be a MASSIVE shock should either of them fail.

      You can always play it safe and do a 3 x 7 rather than 3 x 1 that way you’re atleast ‘guaranteed’ a return because I simply can’t envision more than 1 team letting me down today. (and wouldn’t it be ironic if my beloved Everton let me down haha!) :D

      Oh I completely forgot about Jermaine Beckford. He’s still nursing his thigh but if he starts alongside Saha then I expect goals, goals, and more goals!

    • Hahaha Jagielka.

      I still remember that day when united kept out arsenal with jagielka in goal, 1-0. Hilarious.

  14. Any thoughts on Sarpsborg vs Bodo Glimt??? Sarps @ 1.90 looks good too me : / Bodo seem too be a home team having not won away in their league so far this season

    • Also a game in Iceland first division HK Kopavogs v Vikingur Reykjavik im leaning towards the away win here @ 2.20..

    • go for the goal lines

      straight results are unreliable

      last night i bet on leiknir reykjavik…. on the 85th minute they were winning 3-2, the match finished with them losing 4-3…. somehow

      backing over 2.5 goals in iceland is pretty much the license to print money

      but shhhh

      ;)

  15. Im going for a double on Aktobe Lento and Tomsk @4.37

    Hoping for a better run as the past few days had been bad for me :(

  17. Everton 2-0 Saha (at last!) with a decent finish from the edge of the box.

    Joao Silva and Jermaine Beckford about to come on for the Toffees :D Expect a third!

  18. Can someone help me and explain me what exactly Draw no Bet is? :S

    im given two teams to back, let say i for for team A and Team A wins, i get my winnings and if the result is draw, i get my stake back??

    If someone can clear this up for me – would be very much appreciated :D

    • If you back a team with DNB and the team wins then you claim your profit, If the game is drawn then the stake is refunded.

    • you generally get lower odds for draw no bet as it becomes a two horse race (win or lose) as opposed to win, draw or lose. if you back team a to draw no bet, you get your stake back it draws. the only way you lose is if the other team wins. good way to bet on tougher games, but you generally win nothing when backing the man u’s or barca’s of the world (1.02 or 1.03)

  20. Guys,
    Kawasaki still 0-0, do you think they will managed to get a goal, it’s quite a boring match so far:
    0 corners.
    1-2 shots on target.
    I wonder if it will not remain 0-0…Omiya is playing all out of defence

    • I mentioned in my preview that Omiya are the kings of parking the bus. I hope you took the half time draw as I know you’re a big fan of them! ;)

  21. Sorry mate…went for a half-time win that time.

    I read your preview when I came back from the local bookie.Unlucky.
    You think they’ll manage to break them down?

    • I really do hope so because I’ve got a treble on Everton, Kashima and Kawasaki! :( Just need the latter to break down Omiya..

    • Any particular reason for picking Sovo, besides that Sinimustat doesn’t really like to score/win ?

    • That would be about right but. Yet again changed my mind in shop I was gonna bet £600 on fc blackbird at 19/20 which was Internet price but when I got to shop they changed to 5/6 so changed my mind – I knew as soon as I left shop it was a fuck up hey ho roll on tomorrow but it’s been a bad week !!

  27. 3/4 for me but didn’t hit the jackpot :( Bloody Kawasaki!!

    Off to grab some lunch down the local and to meet a couple of the lads. Should be back to see BATE win.

  28. I need help on picking one team to bet big on….

    i cant seem to pick just one team….. :(

  29. lads, just wondering, have been beting a long time but stil dont no what the term lay means???

    • for example, to lay a team means to back the other team to either win or draw, which is also know as double chance line

  30. Anyone betting on these games?

    STADE BREST vs VANNES OC
    LENS vs ZULTE WAREGEM
    RENNES vs NANTES
    STUTTGARTER KICKERS vs VFB STUTTGART
    GERMINAL BEERSCHOT vs LIERSE SK
    STANDARD LIEGE vs VALENCIENNES
    AZ ALKMAAR vs FENERBAHCE
    CAEN vs LE HAVRE
    PARIS ST GERMAIN vs SPORTING LISBON
    IFK NORRKOPING vs MALLORCA
    HAJDUK SPLIT vs HAMBURG SV
    BATH CITY vs BRISTOL ROVERS
    PETERBOROUGH UNITED vs WEST HAM UNITED
    BRENTFORD vs FULHAM
    GIL VICENTE vs SPORTING BRAGA
    CHARLOTTE EAGLES vs BOLTON WANDERERS
    PHILADELPHIA UNION vs CELTIC
    AMERICA DE MEXICO vs PORTSMOUTH
    BRISBANE ROAR vs EVERTON

    could you give me some advise?

    • Yea, Colombus to win, 2-0

      Ive backed Colombus @1.53
      i also put a low stake on the correct score to be 2-0 @7.8

      How about you?

  33. Hi Phils,

    CAEN vs LE HAVRE == CAEN
    STADE BREST vs VANNES OC == STADE BREST
    RENNES vs NANTES == RENNES
    AMERICA DE MEXICO vs PORTSMOUTH == AMERICA DE MEXICO
    GIL VICENTE vs SPORTING BRAGA == SPORTING BRAGA
    IFK NORRKOPING vs MALLORCA == MALLORCA
    STUTTGARTER KICKERS vs VFB STUTTGART == VFB STUTTGART
    STANDARD LIEGE vs VALENCIENNES == STANDARD LIEGE

    return=48.55

    what do u think?

  34. Just gonna go for a quad of everton, west ham, fulham and BATE for tonight. Everton’s cleared so three more to go!

    Kawasaki really ruined my J league double. Had them and Kashima for the win ):

  35. is anyone goin for Ian’s Draw at half-time/Rosenborg BK to win by full-time tip???

  37. does somebody know were i could find informations about footbal matches something like who are injured or suspended. thanks

  43. thanks nimesh! Ye always back double chance just didnt no lay ment the same thing!! Cheers!!

  44. Im trying to decide which to go for

    Option 1 – double on Sao Paulo and Goias @ 2.52

    Option 2 – Treble on Sao Paulo, Goias and Gremio @ 3.52

    Which one shall i go for.. So what you think?

  47. Followed Ian’s advice,100 on draw HT,Rosenborg FT at 3/1,will be doing cartwheels if this comes in.The guy is an absolute legend I have to say!

  48. Won a nice 13/1 accumulator with Bate Borisov over 2.5, Aktobe to win, Rosenborg under 2.5, Partizan over 2.5 and Sherif Tiraspol to win.
    Burt lost another good one ( 4/1 ) due to Rosenborg not winning.
    Good day though :)

  49. any thoughts on brazilian serie a? especially with these matches.

    Atletico Paranense v Cruzeiro
    Gremio v Vitória
    Sao Paulo v Avai