La Calamine vs RUS Binche - Second Amateur Division - ACFF

A fascinating Second Amateur Division - ACFF chapter awaits on September 12, 2026 when La Calamine take on RUS Binche 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.

A glance at the Second Amateur Division - ACFF table tells the story: La Calamine in 12th and RUS Binche in 14th, with positions to defend and places to climb. Consistency has eluded La Calamine in recent weeks, with WDLL in their last five and a win rate of 25% that tells of an up-and-down campaign. The visitors have been a mixed bag on the road, LDWL in their last five and a win rate of 25% reflecting their unpredictability. The contrast in attacking output — 1.25 versus 2.25 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. In terms of net spend, Liverpool topped the table with £219.4m, followed by Ipswich (£190.7m), Spurs (£176m) and Hull (£160.5m).

The tactical subplot is compelling: La Calamine favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while RUS Binche are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. Rico Lewis played at right-back, but when City were in possession he tucked infield and supported the midfield pairing of Mateo Kovacic and Reijnders.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. 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. Though they have cast their net to investigate deals for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson and Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus, too, per Sky in Italy.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. The weight of evidence points to La Calamine, and a 3-2 win for the hosts feels like the most probable outcome. Whatever the outcome, the Second Amateur Division - ACFF 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.