Rustavi II vs Irao - David Kipiani Cup

Rustavi II prepare to host Irao at the home ground on June 24, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their David Kipiani Cup season. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

Form and standings can only tell part of the story when Rustavi II and Irao cross paths in the David Kipiani Cup, and pride alone should guarantee a contest. Rustavi II will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. On Wednesday night, Infantino was given the "full support" of FIFA's management board in a statement despite being forced to abandon his plan to sell stakes in a company to run the World Cup to private investors.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Rustavi II favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Irao are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Their press is quick and co-ordinated in some areas of the pitch and not others.

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. But former Reds forward Teddy Sheringham believes Tielemans isn’t good enough to be the midfielder United needed.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the David Kipiani Cup standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. The team currently most likely to win the 2026 WNBA Finals according to Opta.