Two of the worst nations in Group E faceoff as Estonia host Belarus in a 2022 World Cup qualifying fixture at A Le Coq Arena. Both teams have battled defensive problems throughout the qualifiers and are set to produce goals in this one.
Estonia are coming off a 0-0 draw with Belarus in their previous qualifying fixture. They rode their luck a few times during the contest with the Welsh guilty of missing several chances but will be pleased to have earned their first point in the group.
Thomas Haberli's men have been the whipping boys of the group having lost their previous four matches prior to the draw with Wales. They have struggled very badly defensively and have conceded 15 goals in just five qualifying matches.
Estonia have also failed to make their home matches count with their heaviest defeats in the qualifiers coming at A Le Coq Arena. They have lost 6-2 to the Czech Republic and were also beaten 5-2 by Belgium in their previous home fixture.
Belarus were beaten 1-0 by Belgium in their previous qualifying fixture. They set out to frustrate the Belgians but conceded midway through the first half and failed to pose any significant threat.
After beginning their qualifying campaign with a 4-2 home victory over Estonia, it has been all downhill for Belarus in Group E. Georgi Kondratiev’s men have lost their last four matches in the group and are second from bottom, just two points above the Estonians.
Belarus have a similar record with Estonia with 15 goals conceded in just five qualifying matches. Their biggest defeat in the qualifiers have come on the road were they lost 8-0 in Belgium back in March.
How the bookies view it
Estonia have the edge among the bookies at 7/5 with Skybet while a victory for Belarus is priced at 23/10 with bet365. SBK is offering odds of 9/4 for a draw.
Head to head
There have been nine previous meetings between Estonia and Belarus with both teams claiming four wins each and one draw. The Estonians will have revenge on their minds after suffering a 4-2 defeat in the reverse fixture back in March.
Players to watch
Midfielder Mattias Kait has scored three goals in his last four appearances for Estonia and is priced at 6/1 by Paddy Power to score anytime. Striker Henri Anier has three goals in the qualifiers and could be worth a punt in the same market at 12/5 with Skybet.
Vitali Lisakovich is the biggest attacking threat for Belarus and has scored three goals in the qualifiers. The striker also netted a brace in the reverse fixture against Estonia and is priced at 3/1 by Paddy Power to score anytime.
Anything else catch the eye?
Estonia and Belarus have struggled defensively in the qualifiers but possess some quality in attack to capitalise on each other's vulnerabilities. Both teams could be tipped to score at 9/11 with SBK while over 2.5 goals could also be considered at 11/8 with BetVictor.
There were more goals after the break in the last meeting between both teams so the second half can be tipped as the highest scoring half at 6/5 with betfair.
This World Cup match between Estonia and Belarus will be played on Oct 8, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Estonia vs Belarus prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
