Isloch head into their Belarusian top-flight encounter with Slavia Mozyr on Saturday afternoon looking to end a run of two successive defeats.
Meanwhile, Slavia make the journey to the FC Minsk Stadium having put together a three-match unbeaten streak, which includes two victories.
Match preview
© Reuters
Since earning promotion in 2016, Isloch have established themselves as a solid top-flight outfit, claiming their highest-ever position of fifth place during the last campaign.
Vitaly Zhukovsky would have been delighted to see his developing team register back-to-back 1-0 wins at the beginning of this season, ideal results for a team who want to break into the top four by the end of the year.
However, the setbacks against Slutsk and Dinamo Brest for the loss of six goals will have told Zhukovsky that there is plenty of work ahead if they want to become a factor in what could turn out to be an open title race.
On the plus side, Momo Yansane and Alyaksandr Makas have started the season in good form, each netting two strikes from their first four appearances.
As for Slavia, they have been somewhat of a yo-yo team since 2013, responding from two relegations to claim a respectable eighth place last season.
That represented their best finish since 2001, and boss Mihail Martsinovich will be optimistic that his side can continue their progress throughout this campaign.
Seven points from their last three games have come against opposition in the form of champions BATE and teams in Dinamo Brest and Rukh Brest who could both make an impact in the top half of the table.
As well as being delighted with just two goals being conceded during those games, Martsinovich will take equal satisfaction from Nikita Melnikov already having two strikes to his name, the same total which he netted from 26 matches last season.
Despite the contrasting moods at both clubs, Isloch know that ending Slavia's unbeaten run would see them leapfrog the visitors in the league standings.
Isloch form: WWLL
Slavia Mozyr form: LWWD
Head To Head
In their last six meetings, there has not been a single draw between these two teams, who have each recorded three victories apiece.
While five of the encounters have been settled by one-goal margins, the most recent clash last November saw Slavia run out 2-0 winners at their home ground.
We say: Isloch 1-2 Slavia Mozyr
Having gotten over their opening day defeat, we have to back Slavia to prevail in this contest. Although Isloch are offering plenty in attack, Slavia are playing with a confidence and determination which could enable them to edge out their hosts.
Darren Plant
