Telavi vs Shturmi - Erovnuli Liga 2

The Erovnuli Liga 2 returns to the home ground on September 16, 2026, where Telavi and Shturmi will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. That coronation came from City's £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson - and has been hotly debated in the build-up to the Manchester derby Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford, which you can watch live on Sky Sports.

Positionally there is a clear hierarchy: Telavi sit 2nd, Shturmi lie 3rd, but the Erovnuli Liga 2 has a habit of defying such logic. Telavi have held their own of late, DLLWD in their last five reflecting a steady win rate of 44%. The visitors have been a steady presence on the road, W in their last five and a campaign win rate of 40%. Where Telavi have built their campaign on solidity, Shturmi have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. Skinner had another year to run on his contract but has decided to move on a month out from United beginning their Women’s Super League season at London City Lionesses on September 4.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Telavi will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Shturmi must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Andoni Iraola could not have been clearer about how he plans to change Liverpool when speaking in his opening press conference.

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. Liverpool have big hopes for Jeremy Jacquet having invested £60m to bring the highly regarded young central defender to Anfield this summer.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. All signs point towards a home win, with Telavi favoured to come out on top by a 2-1 scoreline. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Erovnuli Liga 2 standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Important qualities given that Bournemouth will expect him to be proactive.