So I expect either Alou Diarra or Rio Mavuba to replace Toulalan in midfield and maybe he will start Nasri on the left and switch Ribery to the right or vice versa. I expect Henry to play up top again.

Benzema has underperformed for Les Bleus the same way just about every attacking player, including Henry, underperforms when they play for Domenech. He has very little offensive support and like with Puel at Lyon, doesnt perform as well in a defensive-minded formation.

But, other than that, I would strongly encourage against trying anything other than what has worked, and that means Gourcuff in the hole in a 4-2-3-1. I fear that any slight alteration to what is working might cause an implosion.

And then, on top of that, I’m not totally against two holding midfielders. A 2-0 victory is fine for me. Keeping a clean sheet is key – get caught out on one counter-attack, and the game can be lost 1-0.

But the key is that the holding midfielders have to be able to play a little football, and I think Toulalan and Diarra can. I’ve always really liked L. Diarra, and I think he could be a top player for France.

Benzema is in a poor state, certainly compared to where he was when he broke into the France team. I just can’t believe that a player as good as he was such a short time ago can not be good again. My gut tells me he would do well if he got a game right now, and that he could contribute holding up the ball, even if he doesn’t score. I wonder how he’s doing in training. I’d be fine seeing Gignac from the start if he’s ready. He might be, for all I know.

Nico’s in the squad, right? He’d be fine. I think Benzema has more potential than Nico, Nico’s starting to get on, and if Big Benz can get a goal, he could spring into life and be back where he was, or if Domenech could get him motivated.

I’d take him out of after 20 minutes if he was too sluggish.

… but why would you play two DMs at home against the 52nd ranked team in the world when France sorely needs a shot of confidence, if only to help win back an indifferent if not hostile fan base?

I’m not sure about Benzema, either … the word is he’s lacking confidence.

Oh yeah, to clear up a mystery: while TV5 in the U.S. carries France games … TV5 in Canada does not–and hasn’t since the last Euro2008 qualifier, which for all I know may be someone’s idea of a protest at the retention of you-know-who.

Even better we could have only 1 dm and more attacking players. Wait, i just remember Domenech is still the coach…i just lost my erection