Reims II vs Metz II - National 3 - Group E

A fascinating National 3 - Group E chapter awaits on May 9, 2026 when Reims II take on Metz II at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. The sheer joy on the 18-year-old defender’s face resonated with Paul Schaffran back at the academy.

Both Reims II and Metz II will be eager to build momentum when they meet in National 3 - Group E. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. That result ended the European giants' 14-game unbeaten run in the competition, as Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham were contained by an "incredible" performance from a player barely anyone outside of France had heard of.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Reims II will look to impose their style on home soil, while Metz II are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. After the loss, a lot of questions began to be raised about their different approach to preparing for the game.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. As things stand, however, the priorities are improving the forward line with a new wide attacker and a No 9.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".