Tver vs Baltika II - Second League - Group 2

A fascinating Second League - Group 2 chapter awaits on May 17, 2026 when Tver take on Baltika II at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

Both camps will view the Second League - Group 2 meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. Tver have blown hot and cold, DDLWL across their last five and a win rate of 33.33% that leaves room for improvement. The visitors have been picking up results steadily, DDWWW over their last five with a campaign win rate of 57.14%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. Tim Sherwood makes his predictions for the new Premier League season, including who he thinks will make the top four in the table.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Tver will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Baltika II must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. His all-action approach did not just suit the demands of Luis Enrique, it appeared to have a transformative effect on those around him, setting new standards in the forward line.

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. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Adama Traore was even able to get away with a quite extraordinary headed own goal on debut.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 2-2. With positions in the Second League - Group 2 table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".