Milsami Orhei vs Zimbru - Cupa

A fascinating Cupa chapter awaits on May 13, 2026 when Milsami Orhei take on Zimbru at Complexul Sportiv Raional — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

There is little to choose between Milsami Orhei and Zimbru on paper, and the Cupa encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will hope that the Complexul Sportiv Raional crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. Newcastle had agreed a deal worth £49m for the Switzerland international, who was a breakout star at the World Cup as he scored three goals in their run to the quarter-finals.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Milsami Orhei will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Zimbru will back themselves to cause problems on the break. The Germany club were said to be looking for an out-and-out striker to allow Harry Kane to play a deeper role, and made an approach for Sesko in 2024.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. From picking up Rookie of the Year honors and breaking the league’s single-season assist record to putting up historic 45-point games, she treats the extra friction as pure fuel.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.