A rivalry weekend in Ligue 1 kicks off in style with one of the highlights of the French soccer calendar: Le Derby du Nord. 

Saturday’s grudge match between Lens and Lille is positively English in its intensity both in the stands and on the pitch as Les Sang et Or host Les Dogues. It’s a contest that more than matches Le Classique a day later at the other end of the country in Marseille. 

The visitors from Lille will be making the 17-mile trip having made an unexpectedly fine start to the season. Les Dogues are currently in 2nd place in the standings with 10 points from 12. It’s unexpected due to the amount of dazzling talent that left the club over the summer including the talismanic Jonathan David, Andre Gomes and Bafode Diakite.  

However, Lille could be lining up against Lens with a classic French forward line: Giroud and Mbappe. That’s Ethan Mbappe, brother of Kylian and a player who scored his first professional career goal last weekend in a win against Toulouse. 

Saturday September 20th: 3PM ET - Lens vs. Lille - live on beIN SPORTS