Didier Deschamps relishing "special" World Cup decider

France coach Didier Deschamps has insisted that his side will be prepared for a "special" two-legged playoff with Ukraine as they fight for a place in next summer's World Cup finals.

Les Bleus are in Kiev ahead of tonight's first leg, aiming to take a positive result into Tuesday's return at the Stade de France.

Deschamps has revealed that he will use losing in a World Cup decider during his playing career as motivation this week, while describing Ukraine as a physical side he has prepared meticulously for.

He told UEFA.com: "These matches are special because it's not often you play an opponent twice in such quick succession. My staff and I will have to adapt in order to prepare for the games in the best possible way.

"[Ukraine] are a very well-organised side, physical and aggressive. I attended and watched a lot of their matches during the past 12 months.

"It may have been 20 years ago [the Bulgaria playoff loss] but it still sticks in my mind. I don't want to experience that again."

Deschamps should have first-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris fit to start in goal, while Olivier Giroud and Karim Benzema are fighting to lead the line in attack.