Wednesday, June 7 2006 15:39 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

St Etienne: France are expected to reveal their World Cup starting line-up in their last preparation match against China here on Wednesday.

France have been steadily improving in their warm-up matches and coach Raymond Domenech alluded on Tuesday that he would plump for the first team against China, who missed out on the footballing bonanza this time around having made their World Cup bow in Japan and South Korea four years ago.

"There is every chance," said Domenech when asked if he would pick his World Cup starting XI.

"But it is not an absolute certainty. There is still a week to go, and some training sessions," he said.

France were jeered by their own fans after and during a 1-0 victory over Mexico in their first warm-up before a markedly improved performance in beating Denmark 2-0.

A strong performance against the Asians is vital for morale, and also to demonstrate that France can repeat their success, on home soil, of 1998.

Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse looks set to get the nod in attack, ahead of Juventus's David Trezeguet and Lyon's Sylvain Wiltord, in a 4-4-2 formation.

"That gives us more options. It allows us to block the opposition further up the pitch but it also requires more co-ordination," said Domenech.

There had been talk of France playing 4-5-1, with two attacking wide players, as they did in the qualification campaign, but Domenech looks set to opt for the formation favoured by talisman and soon-to-be-retired hero Zinedine Zidane, whose two goals against Brazil in the 3-0 win that earned France its World Cup win eight years ago has ensured the Algerian-born player's status among the most celebrated figures in French football history. He will retire after the finals.

For Domenech, this game cannot come and go quickly enough.

"With the departure form Clairefontaine this morning (Tuesday), that's it, we're off," he said.

"We are passing by St Etienne but we have only one desire and that's to find ourselves in Germany and on the attack," he said.

"We really are all in the same state of mind, we're in a hurry," he said.

Domenech also had words of encouragement for those who do not make it onto the field at kick-off against China, though, particularly rumoured Manchester United target Franck Ribery of Marseille, who was outstanding in the last two warm-up matches but is unlikely to deplace Zidane in the side at the finals.

"The 23, if they are here, it's because they are ready to play. Every player must feel ready to come on," said Domenech.

"I am certain that all 23 are able, at any moment, to play and to perform. And Franck Ribery is one of those," he said.