France knows what to expect in Luxembourg match

PARIS — Group leader France's trip to play last-place Luxembourg on Friday should be a straightforward chance for coach Laurent Blanc's revitalized team to strengthen its position in European Championship qualifying.

But it also serves a much wider purpose for Blanc, who will be keeping an eye on defender Patrice Evra and winger Franck Ribery. Both are both set to play for France for the first time since the World Cup debacle in South Africa.

Blanc knows what to expect from a Luxembourg team with one draw and three losses so far. France sits top of Group D with three wins after recovering from its surprise opening defeat at home to Belarus, which is only one point behind.

"Our rivals are picking up points, it would be good for France to pick up six points against (Luxembourg)," Blanc said.

France eked out a scrappy 2-0 win against Luxembourg in October, with goals from Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and Yoann Gourcuff. Benzema should lead the attack again on Friday, although Ribery's return could mean Gourcuff drops out.

Blanc knows an early goal will be vital to open the game up.

"With all due to respect to this Luxembourg team, which I like, we know what to expect. It's up to us to be ready and to do what we plan to do," Blanc said. "(Luxembourg plays with) one up front and practically nine at the back — 10 including the goalkeeper."

Even though France is improving under Blanc, also beating Brazil and England in friendlies, he is treating Luxembourg with caution. He went to see Luxembourg play again after their first encounter, to see if there was anything new that could threaten his team.

"I saw them play two further times, at home and away they have the same style of play, the same tactical approach," Blanc said. "As long as they are still in the game, then they defend with a lot of energy."

Reactions have been divided over the return of Evra and Ribery, with some French politicians saying they should never play again for France.

Evra was France's captain at the World Cup and led the team in a training strike that shocked a nation and led to him receiving a five-game ban. Ribery, for his perceived role as one of the ringleaders, got a three-match suspension.

"I wouldn't say they are anguished," Blanc said. "It's (a) very peculiar (situation) for them ... but they also have to concentrate on the game."