Lille v Lens: probable line-ups for highly anticipated Ligue 1 derby

Lille host Lens on Friday, 30 October in a keenly contested northern derby as both sides prepare for their ninth Ligue 1 match of the season.

Lille will look to use their strong historical record in this fixture to return to winning ways, while Lens arrive in confident mood after recording three consecutive league victories.

Lille team news

Lille will be without several players, including Ueda, Igamane and Santos. Nianzou is suspended, while Ngoy is expected to return to central defence.

The home side are likely to rely on Ethan Mbappe, who scored against Monaco, and Olivier Giroud as their main attacking threats.

Probable Lille XI

Goalkeeper: Ozer

Defenders: Goffi, Nathan Ngoy, Alexsandro, Perraud

Midfielders: B. Andre, Nabil Bentaleb, Ngal’ayel Mukau

Forwards: E. Mbappe, Haraldsson, Soriba Diaoune

Lens team news

Lens also have a depleted squad, with Nawrocki, Ganiou, Sima and Edouard all expected to miss the match.

Gradit could nevertheless return to the group. Lens will look to their captain, Florian Thauvin, who has been decisive in recent weeks, while Thorgan Hazard is another player expected to play an important role.

Probable Lens XI

Goalkeeper: Risser

Defenders: Aguilar, Samson Baidoo, Todibo

Midfielders: Abdulhamid, Cuisance, Amadou Haidara, Udol

Forwards: Thauvin, Sotoca, Ivanovic

The fixture forms part of the ninth round of the French championship, with Lille and Lens set to meet at Lille’s home ground on Friday.

The betting company 1xbet lists Lille as 2.40 to win, with a draw priced at 3.60 and a Lens victory at 2.75.