Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the UEFA Europe League match
Anderlecht's narrow victory over Dinamo Minsk last Thursday (1:0) left the Belarusian champions with slim chances of making it to the group stage of the Europa League. It's clear that in Belgium, Anderlecht will try to press their advantage, although the coaching staff will likely aim to conserve energy for crucial domestic matches.
Anderlecht
The win against Dinamo marked Anderlecht's fifth consecutive unbeaten game since the season started. However, only in two of these matches did the total exceed 2.5. Against Dinamo, Anderlecht made little effort in attack after Ludwig Augustinsson's early goal (5-5 shots on target). The team didn't become more active even after substitutions; creative and quick players like Kasper Dolberg and Yari Verschaeren merely freshened up the lines.
Dinamo Minsk
Dinamo have repeatedly faced issues in the attacking third in this season's European competitions (in only one of their seven matches they surpassed a total over 1.5). Despite 12 shots in the first leg, the team managed just 33% possession. It seems the players are longing for home, as they have been playing away from Belarus for over a month and a half, and their moral stamina is nearly depleted.
Anderlecht - Dinamo Minsk Prediction
On Sunday, Anderlecht have an important league match against Union, for which they will save their strength. Dinamo will try to seize their opportunity away, but the opponent’s solid defence is unlikely to even allow them to equalise.
