Lille will host archrival Lens in the first Derby du Nord fixture of the Ligue 1 season on Sunday night. The match will be played at the end of the day, giving fans the chance to witness one of the best derbies in European football. It is a rarely spoken-about derby, but one worth watching.
Lens go into the weekend in fourth place. The Blood and Gold are playing brilliant football this season in Ligue 1 and are one of the surprise packages. Lens are unbeaten with six wins and three draws from nine Ligue 1 matches.
Lens are four points off first-place Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the table. Meanwhile, two points are between Lens and second-place Marseille. Olympique occupy the second automatic Champions League place in Ligue 1.
If Lens could finish in the top three this season, it would be one of the greatest campaigns in club history. Lens last won the league in 1997-98 and most recently finished second in 2001-02.
Lille have won Ligue 1 far more recently than Lens. Les Dogues are well-off in the title race this season, with 12 points separating them from first place.
Les Dogues are eighth in the standings ahead of the derby. Three of their last five matches in Ligue 1 ended in defeat, including last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to high-flying Lorient.
Lille took nine points from the last 18 points available to them in the league. They outscored their last six opponents 11-9.
Lens are unbeaten in nine games this season in Ligue 1. They posted 14 points from the last 18 points on offer while scoring 10 times and conceding four goals. Lens’ defence has been brilliant, and it is one reason the club is battling for a top-four place.
The last six Derby du Nord games were split down the middle with three wins apiece. Lens did the league double over Lille last season winning 1-0 at home and 2-1 away.
Lille coach Paulo Fonseca has one player on the injury list ahead of the weekend. Midfielder Edon Zhegrova has a muscle injury and is likely to miss the game.
Lens manager Franck Haise could be without defender Jonathan Gradit due to a collarbone injury. Otherwise, Haise will have a fully fit team to select from.
The derby should be a close affair, with neither side getting the upper hand on Sunday night. Lille and Lens should finish 1-1 in a cagey derby with both teams playing not to lose the fixture.