Torpedo Bel-AZ Zhodino vs. Slutsk – Belarusian Premier League, October 26, 2020

This is a late season fixture between two clubs with very different aims over the next few weeks. Torpedo is just six points off the top and might be able to sneak into one of the European places, while Slutsk is battling against the drop.

Monday’s game could go a long way to determining what will happen at both ends of the table.

There is quite a gap between the odds for each team to win this one. But BetOnline could well have made Slutsk’s price even larger and I still wouldn’t have been tempted to back the club. Even the draw seems unlikely for a side that fallen further than most this season.

Just when you think that Torpedo is finally out of the race for a top three finish, results in the Belarusian Premier League allow the Zhodino club another chance. The win over Smolevichi last weekend was as convincing as it was predictable, but other scorelines certainly helped Torpedo stay in the race.

The home defeat to Neman at the end of September had looked to end the club’s hopes of European qualification – but now that is still very much on. It would be a huge surprise if Torpedo lost this one against a woeful Slutsk team – and that would set it up nicely for the remaining three games.

Slutsk has an extra game to play before the end of the season, but it will need to put in a performance in all of them if it is to escape the relegation playoff game – at the very best. With Gorodeya sensationally beating Neman last weekend, the race is definitely on.

The win over FC Minsk last weekend could not be followed up with another against Dynamo Brest in midweek, so Slutsk has now won just one of the last eight league games. Slutsk also has a worse head-to-head record with Belshina, so every point will be crucial now.

Sportsbooks cannot price games too highly, even for the worst teams. But Slutsk’s odds would have to be something very special to attract any interest for Monday’s game. Torpedo’s odds do not really warrant a single win bet, but a total goals wager might be better if you can find a market.