- BATE Borisov have failed to win 4 consecutive home games across all competitions, netting just 3 goals in that time.
- FC Sion Sitten have won 4 and drawn 1 of their last 5 games, including a run of 4 straight wins.
- BATE Borisov have won 2, drawn 5 and lost 3 of their last 10 across all comps, a disappointing run of form.
A ‘width versus control’ test
BATE have been unconvincing in Azerbaijan, registering a win, a draw and three defeats across their last 5 matches. Vitali Rogozhkin's 4-3-3 looks built for the transition game, with the two wide players and the advanced number 10 creating overloads out wide and attempting to play through the thirds.
Maksim Sakuta has been their spark, netting 2 of their 3 goals across the last 5 matches, but it's difficult to look past a draw as their final result. It wouldn't surprise if they take the foot off the gas a little here.
Sion should have the edge in this tie, with their current form and favouritism in the match odds suggesting they are expected to take control of the tie rather than just hold onto it. Didier Tholot's men have been playing a patient passing game since he took over in July, preferring to control the ball and the tempo from the centre of the pitch, rather than relying on fast, direct play.
Egor Rusakov is the top scorer in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 for BATE with 1 goal in 2 games, so this team does need a focal point up top. FC Sion Sitten have won all three of their most recent Friendly Club Matches 2026, beating Neuchatel Xamax FC 4-2, Yverdon-Sports 3-1 and Annecy FC 4-0, all on the road.
FC Sion Sitten to edge it
Sion will be flying into this one, unbeaten in their last 10, winning 8 and drawing 2. They will have the ball more and they will control the tempo. BATE are likely to play on the counter with some success and Sion will pin them back, but I am not sure they have enough quality to trouble FC Sion Sitten.
The clear favourites come into this at 1.33, whilst the home side are 8.5 and the draw 4.75. This doesn't leave much room for the draw, but I am happy to take the favourites at those odds. I believe FC Sion Sitten will win this game, but I think it will be in a tighter scoreline than the market suggests, so I'm going for FC Sion Sitten & Under 3.5.
