FK Qarabag vs BATE Borisov Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

The Champions League qualifiers step up this week, and these two are pushing for the group stage of the competition. Qarabag are out to follow up their impressive run to the last 32 in 2017/18 by going just as far this time around. However, 26 of those slots are already taken, and now the champions of Azerbaijan have a huge test as they look to make their way through the qualifiers. They face Belarus opposition in the form of BATE Borisov this week, so can they make the most of having home advantage here?

The hosts have done well just to reach the Third Qualifying round, after kicking off in the first with a victory over Olimpija. They followed that up by seeing off Kukesi last time out, but this appears to be the biggest test of the summer so far for Qarabag. They clash with another side who have managed to establish themselves at the top table in European football. BATE have mixed it with some of the top sides in continental football over the years, but will they manage to do that this season?

While Qarabag face a challenge, this is a really tough ground to visit. The champions of Belarus edged out Finland’s HJK in the previous round, but they were narrow 2-1 winners on aggregate. There are questions hanging over the visitors ahead of Tuesday’s game, as they were held at bay in a 0-0 home draw with the Finnish outfit last time out. While BATE were able to find a little more space in the second meeting, they were stunted going forward when they faced an organised side. That’s exactly what Qarabag are.

The hosts have progressed through Europe in recent years with a great defensive record, and they’ve kept four straight clean sheets in the Champions League ahead of Tuesday’s clash. Can that negative style help them to a positive result this week? Or will BATE cause a surprise and find a way through in defence? While they’re coming off the back of a big success on the road, they’ve won just two of their last 20 away trips in this competition.

Qarabag have the perfect defence to frustrate BATE, and we expect them to make the most of home advantage to hold the visitors at bay here. We’re going for a 2-0 victory for the Azerbaijan side, while we think they’re great value to secure a win in this first leg. They’ve got to get off to a strong start here, and we see them following up some strong home form in the qualifiers with another victory.