Neman Grodno vs. Rukh Brest Betting Preview – Belarusian Premier League, May 9

The draw specialist of the Belarusian Premier League takes its ultra-defensive game to Grodno this weekend to take on Neman, with both sides in need of some points to move away from the bottom of the table.

Neman has looked largely insipid this season so far and will need to pick things up dramatically if it is to escape a relegation battle and finish in the top half of the table.

For my Neman Grodno vs. Rukh Brest prediction and betting pick, read on.

Rukh might tend to go for the point rather than the win, but this is one game where it might just be able to take the full complement this season. BetOnline might have Neman as favorite, but it has not looked good in Grodno this year so far, and the away win or the draw look to be the better value bets here.

Neman limped on through the 90 minutes once again last week as it fell to a BATE Borisov team that, although far more talented anyway, didn’t really need to shift out of first gear to take all three points. It was a familiar story for Neman, who has now won just one of its last five games.

The defensive side of Neman’s game has not been that bad, with BATE being the first team this season to put three goals past the Grodno keeper. But there is not much up front to get excited about, and if Rukh Brest decides to go for a goalless draw here, then it would seem to be very achievable.

That, after all, has been the basic plan for Rukh this season. In seven games, it has only scored three, while conceding the same number at the other end. Manager Aleksandr Sednyov has obviously decided that those tactics are the only way his side can stay up this year, and it is just about working so far.

How long Rukh can keep the goalless draws coming is the question, though. That’s why it would be more important for the visitors to take the game to Neman this weekend, as this game is a real chance to pick up some points. Whether it changes its successful style remains to be seen, however.

As you can see, I think Rukh could pick up its third win of the season if it really went for it against Neman. But I’m not sure it will see past the opportunity to achieve another draw away from home. Every point will be crucial at the end of the season, so I understand that way of thinking, but there is more of a chance for victory here.

You can find additional picks in the predictions and betting picks section of our blog.