BATE Borisov vs Shakhtar Donetsk preview - Yermakovich in confident mood

Posted Monday, October 20, 2014 by PA

BATE Borisov coach Aleksandr Yermakovich believes his side can continue to emerge as surprise contenders in UEFA Champions League Group H when they face Shakhtar Donetsk in Belarus on Tuesday.

Yermakovich's side looked hopelessly outclassed when they were beaten 6-0 in Porto in their opening group stage game in September.

But they fought back with a fine 2-1 win over Athletic Club at the end of the same month to move up to second place in the group.

That result was the first of a run of four straight wins in all competitions which helped Borisov consolidate their narrow lead at the top of the Belarusian Premier League.

Yermakovich told a press conference: "To many our current position is surprising but we are in second place and we know how easily things can radically change.

"It is more important to us that the table looks the same after six games, but we are only thinking about each game when they come and we know Shakhtar are a skilful and well-balanced side.

"We have an excellent psychological state and we have turned things round on the field. We do not need any extra motivating for the Champions League and we have prepared the same way we always do."

Shakhtar's season has stuttered in recent weeks and the mood in the squad will not have improved with the news that their Donbass Arena home suffered extensive damage from shelling again this week.

Mircea Lucescu's men have started Group H with two draws and head to Borisov on the back of just two wins from their last six games in all competitions, though they were boosted by a 6-2 win over Volyn in the Ukrainian Premier League on Friday night.

Shakhtar will give a late test to injured defender Olexandr Kucher while BATE have doubts over Egor Filipenko, who has a hamstring strain.