SOUTH COAST derbies between French sides Monaco and Marseille are always a tightly contested affair - with the stakes arguably even higher than usual this season.

FRANCE’S coach Raymond Domenech has opted for an experimental midfield to take on the Republic of Ireland in tomorrow’s World Cup Group 4 qualifier at the Stade de France.

FRANCE central midfielder Benoit Pedretti was yesterday ruled out of the World Cup qualifiers against Ireland and Cyprus next month.

TWO midfielders expected to figure in France’s squad for the World Cup qualifier against Ireland on Saturday week are doubtful through injury.

French football league president Frederic Thiriez believes the hype surrounding the announcement of the next national team manager must not overshadow the rebuilding job the new man has in front of him.

Patrick Vieira failed a late fitness test for France’s Euro 2004 quarter-final with Greece at the Estadio Jose Alvalade with Olivier Dacourt getting his second start of the tournament in place of the injured Arsenal midfielder.

FRANCE midfielder Patrick Vieira, who has a thigh strain, is doubtful for tonight's quarter-final against Greece, says coach Jacques Santini.

France 2 Croatia 2