L’Equipe’s Starter Predictions for France vs. Ukraine

November 19th, 2007 | by: Laurie |

L’Equipe lists two possiblities for the start of the Ukraine-France game on Wednesday:

The first is:

4-2-1-2-1 with François Clerc, Lilian Thuram, William Gallas and Eric Abidal on defense, Lassana Diarra and Claude Makelele in front of them, Mathieu Flamini one of three midfielders, in the center supporting Sidney Govou (on the right) et Franck Ribéry (on the left) on the wings, [and] Thierry Henry [up front.]

The other option would be 4-4-2, taking out Flamini and puting Karim Benzema up front with Henry.

(I think Raymond must read this blog. Wasn’t I just recommending putting Govou on the right wing with Ribéry on the left?)

I’d be okay with either of these lineups, although I’m still not quite comfortable with Lassana Diarra and Claude Makelele as the holding midfielders. But maybe defense will be less porous with Abidal on the left? We can hope.

I thought I read something about both Flamini and Thuram picking up injuries in the Morocco game, but perhaps I was hallucinating, since both are listed as potential starters. But speaking of injuries, Chelsea fans will be thrilled to hear that Florent Malouda has returned home to continue his injury recovery. As far as I can tell, though, Nicolas Anelka and Jérémy Toulalan are heading to Kiev. With luck, though, they won’t need to play.

If you have thoughts on the game or the starting lineup, post them in the comments.

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http://livorno.theoffside.com/ Marco

Here you go Laurie! Hear Cappello go Wild !
http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/italy+scotland/video/x3icqp_ecosse-vs-italie-12-raisport-euro-2_sport
it’s at the 1:39 mark…
Laurie

Is that Capello announcing? Too funny.
MB

whose in goal? Landreau or Frey? I think Frey should have a chance to show what he can do in this one
Laurie

It doesn’t say, but does say that Frey could profit from the fact that it’s more friendly in nature and there’s nothing at stake. But elsewhere Raymond said he hasn’t lost faith in Landreau, so I’d guess Landreau. (But I’d love to see Frey for at least a half.)
http://lyon.theoffside.com Inara

I think if Domenech didn’t have to state his confidence in Landreau after the Morocco game, Frey could have played. But now Domenech has to play Landreau just to show everyone he still has confidence in him. Benching Landreau after this weekend’s criticisms wouldn’t be a good idea.
Laurie

Inara, that’s exactly what I was thinking.
Thierry

I think frey should have his chance in this match. Landreau made too many faults since the match with Scotland. Like i hope Domenech will choose Mexes very soon, with the fact Thuram doesn’t play with Barcelona(at his age you need regular high level match to keep your fit.) i wonder if he will be in good fit for Euro.
http://marseille.theoffside.com Massaer

But then again, Frey was far from Stellar when he played with the A’s. Granted his defense was Boumsong, Zebina, Zoumana camara and Mickael Silvestre but still.