Domenech has some interesting choices to make, good site is Sport24.com to see some interesting discussions. So let us start with where, for the first time in a while, Domenech does not need to worry, and that is his back line.
Coupet - Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal. Should be his starting back line, which is his preferred back line. The return of Gallas and Thuram should shore up the defense which looked a little shaky against Argentina. The return of the center back duo will allow the offensive minded Sagnol to range further up the pitch, and allow Abidal to make more of his deep runs.
The midfield and up front is where it will get interesting. Without Vieira, Domenech will have to find a partner with Makelele to protect the back four and launch counter attacks. There have
been some talk to bring back Dacourt into the fold....hmm interesting. While he has been playing well for Inter (especially when partnered with Vieira) I am not sure this would be a wise move. Especially since Domenech does have other options, and said options are more likely the future of Les Bleus. Rather than look to Dacourt Domenech should give the Lyonaise Toulalon another start in the midfield. He looked very solid, albeit against the minnows Faroe Islands, in his first international start. Domenech is not asking him to start and replace Vieira against Brazil, the French are still playing one of the lesser soccer powers, even though it is on the road which will add some pressure. But it would be a good opportunity to get the youngster more run with the first team in a meaningful match. I think Domenech should also look at Mavuba, both Diarras (Lassana should be getting more looks for the way he has been playing for Chelsea) as well as Flamini.....France does have some solid options at holding midfield, lets look to them not to players like Dacourt (not that I do not like the Milanaise midfielder, I think he should have been included in the side but his time has passed, such is the life of international footie)The midfield wings are less difficult to determine - Malouda on one side and Govou/Wiltord on the
other. The interesting decision will be who to back them up. Again, old timers like Micoud and Guily are mentioned....again I would say why? I think both players are excellent, but they are on the back end of their careers, if Domenech did not think they were good enough for France when they were at their peaks why would he turn to them now? Domenech has the opportunity to look at youngsters Nasri and Gourcuff. He could also turn to a pseudo old timer, but who still has plenty in the tank - Rothen. The natural left footer would be a great option on the left side, giving Les Bleus a true crossing machine. Something Domenech will need if you lookat the strikers he might select....
Without Henry and Saha, I think Domenech should turn to a combo - Anelka/Trezeguet/Cisse. If he decides to play Anelka - Trezeguet, I think a surpise move of having Rothen on one side and Sagnol on the other (on defense) would supply a number of crosses that a player like Trezeguet could latch on...with Anelka roaming behind the point striker this could cause the Lithuania defense much trouble. Domenech could then put in Cisse at the end of the match for the last 20 - 30 minutes to change the look of the game. I also feel he should take this as an opportunity to select the youngster Benzema.
Here is what I would put on the pitch -
Coupet - Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal - Makelele, Toulalan - Rothen, Malouda - Trezeguet, Anelka.
On paper they should leave Lithuania with the full 3 points...but again that is only on paper.
Come on Domenech use what appears to be a negative and turn it into an opportunity to get some of the French youth into the team.
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