EIGHT Champions League ties on Wednesday. Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) shares his best bets with us.
Dundalk v BATE Borisov | Tuesday 19:45
Quite a few people like myself felt that BATE Borisov would give Dundalk a doing last week in their opening Champions League 2nd Qualifying 1st Leg match but that wasn't the case. Stephen Kenny's side played very well in Belarus and give BATE a great game in their 2-1 defeat. Now for the second leg…
There's sure to be a great atmosphere at Oriel Park as the Irish side look to make into the third qualifying round. If the Lilywhite's can match the spirit and endeavour they showed in the first half last week then I think they'll cause BATE problems.
The Belarussians looked slightly rattled in the opening half but took charge in the second and missed a few chances to extend their first leg lead. I still feel their experience in these kind of ties will make the difference on Wednesday.
Borisov have made the group stages of the Champions League in three of the last four seasons and downed some big guns like Bayern Munich and Athletic Bilbao during this time.
Dundalk haven't been involved in this competition for almost two decades and the finely balanced nature of the tie makes me think nerves may catch them out here.
Last week's performance will have given them lots of confidence and I can see them notching, but overall I feel BATE will be too strong. The Belarussians may pounce on Dundalk if the Irish side go chasing goals later in the match and they could capitalise.
Purely a gut feeling rather than a stats-backed bet but I'm going to back BATE to win and both teams to score at a very decent 9/2 with Coral. Dundalk's display last week will give them zest and endeavour but ultimately BATE should get the job done.
Best Bets
Dundalk v BATE Borisov – BATE Borisov and Both Teams To Score (9/2 Coral)
