Samgurali vs Meshakhte - David Kipiani Cup

The history between Samgurali and Meshakhte lends this David Kipiani Cup fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on August 1, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. There are just three weeks to go in the transfer window and City face more transfer questions than answers ahead of the new campaign.

There is little to choose between Samgurali and Meshakhte on paper, and the David Kipiani Cup encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Meshakhte will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. But Fuseini's equaliser leaves Burnley winless and bottom of the Championship, having failed to gain three points from a match Hayen had described beforehand as "must-win".

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Samgurali will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Meshakhte will back themselves to cause problems on the break. But it was a dual role for Rayo because he was also among the top dozen players for blocking crosses and winning possession in the defensive third.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. Juve are said to be keen on adding another forward, despite nearing a deal for Randal Kolo Muani from PSG.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. Whatever the outcome, the David Kipiani Cup fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. 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.