Les Bleus look to give the run to some old new faces against Uruguay

Deschamps has already announced that none of the players from La Liga will be starting against Uruguay. Meaning Benzema, Rami and Mathieu will be at best on the bench. Makes sense since their season was the latest to end and they could use the time off. So what does that leave Deschamps with for his starting team? Apparently DD will also opt for the usual 4-2-3-1 to face the former World Cup champions.

All signs point to Mandanda getting the nod in goal. The defense would appear to be a whole new line up with the new call up from Portugal - Mangala getting the nod at central defense. I am a little surprised by this since I would think Deschamps would want to get a Kos - Sakho pairing together for more time on the field. Of course that could be what is in the cards when France face Brazil. No surprise that Bordeaux left back Tremoulinas gets the nod with Sagna on the right. Interesting choice for right back, is Deschamps opening the discussion between Debuchy and Sagna as to which will be his preferred right back, and does that mean Jallet is back to third in the hierarchy?

The holding pair of Capoue and Matuidi is expected. Question is how much time  Matuidi gets, he has been leaned on heavily by both club and country this season and could use some down time.

Up front is composed of not the usual suspects. With the re-introduction of Gourcuff,

Rebirth with Les Bleus?

possibly on the left. This will be interesting to watch. Gourcuff is more of a central of the park midfielder, even a deep lying player. Not certain he has the ideal profile for a wing - not particularly pacey. In addition, that spot is Ribery's in the near term. So is Gourcuff playing for a spot on the bench where he would act as the offensive joker who could slot in at left or center? It will be interesting to watch how he and Valbuena interact. The Petit Velo appears to be Deschamps first choice to pull the offensive stings from the center of the field. But his natural tendencies are to drift a bit to either wing, will he and Gourcuff develop an understanding? When Valbuena free lances will Gourcuff slide to the middle of the pitch to provide the necessary cover? We should see Payet playing a traditional wide role from the right. Up front it appears that Deschamps is leaning on the Arsenal striker - Giroud. I would assume we might see Gomis as well.

An interesting line up, many things to watch for. To me the most interesting will be the role Gourcuff takes up and if he can find his way back to a regular spot on the French national team.

The potential line up based on practice sessions - Mandanda - Sagna, Koscielny, Mangala, Trémoulinas - Capoue, Matuidi - Payet, Valbuena, Gourcuff - Giroud

 Allez les bleus!