Chantilly vs Montlouis - National 2 - Group A

All eyes turn to the home ground on August 22, 2026 as Chantilly welcome Montlouis in a National 2 - Group A encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. Enzo Maresca and Rico Lewis held a pre-match press conference on Saturday as Manchester City prepare to face Atletico Madrid in their third pre-season friendly of the summer.

Chantilly head into the contest positioned 16th in the National 2 - Group A standings, while Montlouis arrive sitting 11th. It has been a torrid run for the hosts, L in their last five and a season win rate of just 0% that has the alarm bells ringing. Montlouis are in the midst of a slump, D over their last five and a paltry win rate of 0% summing up their struggles. The contrast in attacking output — 0.75 versus 0.75 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Those who followed Morocco's recent World Cup campaign will recognise the name Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Chantilly will look to impose their style on home soil, while Montlouis are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. That radar allows City to retain control, momentum and possession in games, pinning opponents back in the tempered style Guardiola favoured.

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 wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. He would keep it close until the defender had a nibble and then shift it," says Carr.

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 numbers tilt towards Montlouis, and a 1-2 away win looks the more probable outcome. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the National 2 - Group A standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".