France fighting for home comfort
The French, who have snatched two away successes at the Faroe Islands and Cyprus, have produced five consecutive draws on home soil and have yet to convince against strong European opposition.
France, Ireland and Israel all have eight points from four games with Switzerland on five from three games.
Despite the tight nature of the group, coach Raymond Domenech says tonight's game and next Wednesday's trip to Israel will not decide the group.
"The next matches are important but they are not do-or-die ones," Domenech said this week.
"If we lose them we will be in a tricky situation but if we win them everything will still have to be done. My only aim is to qualify for the World Cup finals. If we do so by drawing in all our games, I'll be more than happy."
The statement received mixed support from the players. Some, such as midfielder Benoit Pedretti, agreed totally with the coach but others, like goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, said that taking the six points is only what matters.
A victory over the Swiss would not only boost morale but it would help France prepare for a tough challenge in Israel next week.
The Israelis are certain that this is the right time to beat the French, a feat they have only once achieved, but with devastating results, in the penultimate qualifier for the 1994 World Cup when France blew what looked an unassailable group lead to miss out on the finals.
For once, France have had almost a whole week to prepare for the games but it much of the time was spent working on the fitness of several key players. Thierry Henry has been nursing a calf problem while fellow striker David Trezeguet is recovering from a sore right ankle. Midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo has had a painful bruise on the leg and with Gael Givet missing training on Thursday, young defender Julien Escude of Ajax Amsterdam has been called up as cover.
Switzerland arrive with memories of last year's 3-1 defeat to the French in the European championship.
"I have the feeling that we can do something great on Saturday," said coach Koebi Kuhn.
"I'm fully aware that Domenech has a good team but they must not forget that we held them off for 75 minutes last year."
"I'm certain that we are the most coherent of the two sides."
Kuhn will bank on top scorer Alexander Frei and promising newcomers Philippe Senderos of Arsenal and Reto Ziegler.
Only defender Raphael Wicky is doubtful.
Meanwhile, Israeli football federation president Iche Menahem has advised Fabien Barthez to stay in France following his comments about the country ahead of next Wednesday's qualifier in Tel Aviv.
The 33-year-old keeper, who has announced he will retire in 2006, spoke of his fears about travelling to the Israeli capital and expressed his worries at having to travel to "a dangerous place."
He said: "I am worried by this match and I would have liked it to take place somewhere else. I thought about pulling out."
Those comments have infuriated Menahem.
"He should stay in France if he is scared," said Menahem.
"I think Barthez is worried he might not start the match, that's why he's made such declarations."
Probable teams:
FRANCE: Barthez; Sagnol, Boumsong, Givet, Gallas; Vieira, Pedretti, Malouda, Giuly; Henry, Trezeguet
SWITZERLAND: Zuberbuehler; Haas, Muller, Henchoz, Magnin; Vogel, Ziegler, Senteros, Lonfat; Frei, Volanthen.
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