Lyon Duchere vs Montpellier II - National 3 - Group H

All eyes turn to Stade de Balmont on May 16, 2026 as Lyon Duchere welcome Montpellier II in a National 3 - Group H encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. Manchester City face the K-League All-Stars in Seoul on Wednesday as part of their pre-season tour of Asia.

Form and standings can only tell part of the story when Lyon Duchere and Montpellier II cross paths in the National 3 - Group H, and pride alone should guarantee a contest. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Montpellier II's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. 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.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Lyon Duchere favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Montpellier II are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. There is interest in adding another forward player who can play in one of those wide No 10 roles behind the striker in the 3-4-2-1 formation that Sage is expected to continue with at Selhurst Park.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. 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. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. The result at Stade de Balmont could resonate well beyond matchday in the National 3 - Group H picture. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.