BATE Borisov and Dinamo Brest contest the Belarusian Cup final for the second time in three years and third time since its inception. Two of Brest’s three cup triumphs have been against BATE, with these teams two of five to have lifted the trophy on a record three occasions.
Wolfsburg are welcome opposition for Borussia Dortmund as Lucien Favre’s side continue their quest to catch Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich. BVB are unbeaten in nine meetings with the Wolves as they look to reel in Bayern’s four-point lead.
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich will continue their charge towards an eighth successive league title under new permanent head coach Hansi Flick when travel to Union Berlin on Sunday. However, it will not be plain sailing as Union Berlin, in their first season in the top flight, sit comfortably in mid-table and have been stronger at home.
Bundesliga football returns albeit behind closed doors and it starts with a bang as Borussia Dortmund host Schalke in the Revierderby on Saturday afternoon. Dortmund will hope the extended break can aid their bid for a first league title in eight years and they can eat into leaders Bayern Munich’s four-point advantage with victory.
Energetik and Dinamo Brest have rediscovered the winning habit ahead of their clash on Saturday. Both sides have overcome a wobble with back-to-back wins to stay in touch with the leaders of the Vysshaya Liga.
The top two teams in the Vysshaya Liga will go head-to-head as BATE host Slutsk at the Borisov Stadium on Saturday evening. Belarus powerhouses BATE have overcome a shocking start to the campaign to sit at the top of the table, with Slutsk in second on goal difference after last weekend’s setback.
BATE Borisov are one of the form teams in the Vysshaya Liga heading into Sunday’s trip to struggling Smolevichi. The 15-time Belarus champions, who lost their crown to Dinamo Brest in 2019, have stormed up the table on the back of a five-match unbeaten streak.
Dinamo Brest go in search of back-to-back wins for the first time in the Vysshaya Liga this season when they host Dinamo Minsk on Sunday. Brest have stuttered majorly during the early stages of their title defence and sit ninth, six points off the leaders.
Shakhtyor have started to climb the Vysshaya Liga table ahead of their trip to Vitebsk on Sunday. Yuriy Vernydub’s side, having finished third last season, have responded to a three-match winless streak with convincing back-to-back wins.
Slutsk will aim to maintain their position at the top of the Vysshaya Liga when they host Energetik on Friday. Top-scorers Slutsk, who finished one place above Energetik in 11th last season, are in form and have opened up a two-point lead at the summit after seven matches.
Belshina are still awaiting their first Vysshaya Liga win of the season as they take on defending champions Dinamo Brest on Sunday afternoon. Belshina have collected just two points from their opening six matches to prop up Belarus’ top flight, but victory can move them to within two points of surprise strugglers Brest.
BATE Borisov will aim to continue their recent upturn in form when they host Neman Grodno on Sunday afternoon. BATE have shaken off their shocking start to the 2020 campaign by picking up 10 points from their last four Vysshaya Liga matches to move up to fourth in the table.
Shakhtyor Soligorsk will aim to bounce back from their cup disappointment when they host Isloch Minsk to wrap up round seven of Vysshaya Liga action. The cup holders came from 2-0 down at half-time – and 4-0 on aggregate – to beat Dinamo Brest 4-2 at home in the second leg of their semi-final only to lose on away goals.
Surprise leaders Slutsk will look to continue their terrific form when they face Dinamo Minsk on Saturday evening and aim to end a dreadful run at Dinamo Stadium. Slutsk are one point clear of Isloch at the summit of the Vysshaya Liga but have never won against Dinamo on their travels in seven league and cup clashes, losing six.