Partizani Tirana vs BATE Borisov Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 09/07/2023, 12:48  by Joseph King | Modified on 09/07/2023 at 12:52 in Champions League Predictions

Qualification for the 2023/24 Champions League kicks off with this first round fixture first leg between FK Partizani Tirana and BATE Borisov. Albanian side FK Partizani Tirana come into this fixture after finishing the previous season on an impressive run which would ultimately win them the league title. The 17-time league champions won six of their last seven league fixtures to wrestle the title away from KF Tirana. Since then, the hosts have played in one friendly match which resulted in a 1-0 win for Partizani against North Macedonian side Struga. Partizani will have to deal with the loss of Engjell Hoti, who chipped in seven goals and two assists in the league last season. However, they will still be able to call upon the services of last season’s leading team goalscorer Victor who struck for 13 goals in 26 league outings. Demat e Kuq also made some smart signings in the offseason with the arrivals of winger Eros Grezda, midfielder Gjelbrim Taipi and goalkeeper Panajot Qirko, all who are expected to play a big part in the team’s success this season. 

A match fixing scandal rocked the Belarussian Premier league in 2022, causing the top two teams to forfeit their spots in European competition. Thus, BATE Borisov was awarded with the Champions League qualifying spot despite finishing the season in third-place. With the 2023 season currently underway, the 15-time league champions currently sit fourth in the standings with 22 points taken from 14 matches. Their most recent match ended in a 2-0 home win over Shakhtyor Soligorsk, BATE’s third consecutive win. The visitors are in particularly good attacking form as they blasted 13 goals past Miori in the Belarus Cup two weeks ago. BATE have actually looked more comfortable this season when playing as the visiting team which should work in their favor here. The Belarussians are averaging 2.00 points per contest as the visiting team compared to just 1.14 at home.