Both strong contenders to finish in the European places this season, local rivals Lens and Lille clash at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday.
This latest edition the Derby du Nord is not only a meeting of two clubs separated by just 25 miles, but also sees the sides sitting fourth and sixth in Ligue 1 respectively.
Match preview
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A sluggish start to 2023 continued last time out for Lens, who have now won only two of their last eight Ligue 1 games - after winning six of the previous seven without tasting defeat.
Though they beat Nantes 3-1 before settling for a 1-1 draw at Montpellier, positive results have been hard to come by for Franck Haise's side since the turn of the year, with Nantes taking swift revenge in Wednesday's Coupe de France quarter-final - the holders fought back after Seko Fofana had opened the scoring and won 2-1.
Despite their pace slowing, victory in this week's derby would help Lens stay clear of fifth-placed Rennes and potentially to return to the top three; they also have the same number of points as Monaco but an inferior goal difference, while Marseille are still only two points ahead.
Les Sang et Or will certainly fancy their chances of success - even accounting for the intensity of the occasion and their opponents' close proximity in the table - as they have won 11 of their 12 home games in Ligue 1 this season, which is the club's highest tally at this stage in their history.
Indeed, during the 21st century, only Paris Saint-Germain have ever won 12 of their first 13, so Haise will be all the more keen to match such a landmark total on Saturday.
Though Lens came out on top in their last home fixture against Lille - a 1-0 win in September 2021 - they have not defeated their regional rivals in consecutive games at Stade Bollaert-Delelis since 1985; looking further back into the record books, they have also lost 11 of the clubs' last 21 league meetings.
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A 1-0 victory for Lille in October's reverse fixture was a tale of two penalties, as Jonathan David converted his spot kick and Lucas Chevalier managed to save Florian Sotoca's - into the bargain, Lens were consigned to defeat in Ligue 1 for the first time in over five months.
On this occasion, completing the double over their northern neighbours would help Les Dogues move within three points of them in the standings and aid a push for European football next term - they occupy sixth place, while fifth at least secures a qualifying spot for the Europa League Conference League.
LOSC arrive in Pas-de-Calais having come from behind to beat Brest 2-1 last time out, recording successive home wins. However, head coach Paulo Fonseca received a red card for his touchline remonstrations, and in addition to the derby he could also be banned for next Friday's clash with Lyon.
With five wins and as many defeats from their first 12 away fixtures in Ligue 1 this term, Lille return to the road having scored three goals in each of their last two away games: a 3-1 victory at Rennes then a dramatic 4-3 loss in Paris.
Last month's exit from the Coupe de France - in addition to a lack of European football this year - leaves the league as Fonseca's only route to some success in his first campaign as LOSC boss, so he will hope his side can continue such penalty-box prowess on Saturday evening.
Team News
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While Adrien Thomasson and Ismael Boura both managed to overcome fitness doubts to make the bench against Nantes in midweek, Lens still have several players sidelined by injury - Wesley Said, Wuilker Farinez, Jimmy Cabot and Adam Buksa are among those occupying the treatment table.
Angelo Fulgini and Przemyslaw Frankowski are likely to come back into the hosts' starting XI, which should see a central midfield duo of Seko Fofana and Salis Abdul Samed retained.
Currently in his first season with Lens, Ghana international Abdul Samed completed a game-high 97% of his passes against Montpellier last week, also making nine ball recoveries.
Meanwhile, Lille will have several absentees of their own on Saturday, including suspended coach Paulo Fonseca, and are set to be without Brazilian full-back Ismaily, Bafode Diakhite - who was injured soon after scoring against Brest - and possibly captain Jose Fonte. Adam Ounas is also yet to return from a groin problem.
On Saturday, Timothy Weah is likely to deputise for Diakhite on the right flank, with Gabriel Gudmundsson coming in on the left.
Star striker Jonathan David will make his 100th Ligue 1 appearance, having missed just two of the 101 top-flight fixtures Les Dogues have played since his arrival in August 2020. The Canadian is also one shy of 50 goals for the club, including 15 in the league this season and four assists.
Lens possible starting lineup:
Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Frankowski, Abdul Samed, Fofana, Machado; Thomasson, Fulgini; Sotoca
Lille possible starting lineup:
Chevalier; Weah, Alexsandro, Djalo, Gudmundsson; Andre Gomes, Andre; Zhegrova, Cabella, Bamba; David
We say: Lens 2-1 Lille
In spite of their faltering form, home advantage in this Derby du Nord could count heavily in the favour of Lens, who are rock-solid in front of their own fans.
Only PSG can better their home stats this term, so a momentum-shifting win may be on the cards - keeping them ahead of Lille in the table.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Jonathan O'Shea
