France will have to up their game against Mexico in Polokwane as the race to qualify from Group A hots up.
Les Bleus and El Tri go into the tie level on points in Group A
France will have to up their game against Mexico in Polokwane as the race to qualify from Group A hots up.
Les Bleus played out a dour 0-0 draw with Uruguay in their opening game, while hosts South Africa and Mexico could not be separated after a 1-1 stalemate.
Manager Raymond Domenech received criticism for not changing his tactics early enough in his side's first match, and he will want a result against Mexico so as not to be going into the final group game against South Africa needing a win.
With Laurent Blanc waiting in the wings to take over after the World Cup, Domenech is under pressure to deliver.
The much-maligned longest-serving French coach led his side to the final in 2006, but he could make changes after a poor showing last time out.
Team news
Florent Malouda is reportedly preparing to return to the starting line-up after he was left out against Mexico.
Rumours of a bust-up with Domenech have been played down and the Chelsea winger, who had an excellent campaign in the Premier League, could come in on the left.
However, William Gallas is a doubt after missing training with a muscular problem, potentially leaving France short of options in central defence.
But the 32-year-old, who was reportedly angry at the decision to award Patrice Evra the captain's armband, could pull through and continue his partnership with Eric Abidal.
Meanwhile, reserve goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso has been ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury.
Carrasso pulled a left thigh muscle in training on Monday and will miss the remainder of the tournament, but a request to replace him was turned down by Fifa.
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has vowed to continue his attacking mentality when his side take on the 1998 world champions.
El Tri set out with a 4-3-3 formation against South Africa, and are expected to keep going with their three-pronged attack of Guillermo Franco, Carlos Vela and Giovani Dos Santos.
Mexico stalwart Rafael Marquez picked up a minor calf problem against South Africa but is likely to play in midfield.
He said: "I'm fine now, at 100 per cent. I've had trouble with the calf and against South Africa I even was thinking of being taken off, but I've been able to recover over the past few days."
