Europa League Betting: Hoffe's steep learning curve to continue

BATE Borisov v Arsenal

Thursday September 28, 18:00

Live on BT Sport 2

Kings of Belarus keen to make their mark

BATE Borisov have dominated the football scene in Belarus for over a decade. They have won the last 11 top-flight titles, not bad for a club that was only founded in 1996.

BATE (Borisov Automobile and Tractor Electronics, if you must know) have built up a big bank of European experience, and they have lost just one of their last ten Champions League home matches. In that time, they have beaten Roma and held Bayer Leverkusen to a draw, and their only defeat was a 2-0 reverse against Barcelona.

BATE are in strong form. A month ago they won 4-0 at title rivals Shakhtyor, and they have put together a run of six matches unbeaten.

Wenger wary of fatigue as Gunners journey east

Given that Arsenal played West Brom on Monday night, Arsene Wenger has a case when he describes the fixture list as cruel to his team this week. His squad will undergo a 2,400-mile round trip as they go to Belarus and back, and with a win against FC Koln already in the bag, I suspect we may not see Arsenal's strongest line-up. Wenger has indicated that Sunday's Premier League clash with Brighton is the top priority.

After a slow start against FC Koln, Arsenal's greater quality told in the end. Alexis Sanchez scored a magnificent goal, and in the end the Gunners dealt well with crowd trouble that saw the kickoff significantly delayed. There's no reason why Arsenal shouldn't be contenders to win this competition if they treat it with respect, and Wenger's selection on Matchday One suggests he will take it seriously.

Despite an embarrassing blunder against Koln, keeper David Ospina is expected to start, while Jack Wilshere could get another start in midfield. It remains to be seen whether Mesut Ozil will make another cameo as he bids to return to full fitness.

Gunners pretty short considering hosts' record

BATE have proven they are no pushovers against sides like Arsenal, and I'm a little surprised to see the visitors trading at 1.53 for the win.

I think BATE will push Arsenal hard here, and they certainly won't be intimated by the quality of their opponents. I'm giving the hosts a goal-and-a-half start on the Asian Handicap.

Speedster Walcott could make breakthrough in tight game

Theo Walcott started against Koln, and I suspect he'll get another chance to shine. He got the winner in the recent EFL Cup win over Doncaster, and last season he bagged 19 goals in all competitions.

At 3.00, he's definitely worth a look if he starts, as his searing pace could break open a very tight contest. I know it seems counter-intuitive to back Walcott to score and BATE to keep the game close, but I genuinely believe both things could happen.

Recommended Bets

Back BATE +1.0 & +1.5 on the Asian Handicap at 1.89

Back Theo Walcott to score at 3.00