As the French number one, Richard Gasquet will open the action on Friday when he takes on Russia's Marat Safin in the first rubber of the day.

France are hoping to advance past Russia, in Pau, to make it to the semifinals of the Davis Cup

Due to a back injury, Sebastien Grosjean has been forced out of the singles action. Arnaud Clement takes his place, and he will face the on form, Nikolay Davydenko in Friday's second singles rubber.

The Russians who have a very strong team, will field Youzhny/Tursunov against an experienced French doubles pairing Clement/Llodra on Saturday.

Sunday will see the reverse singles.

Richard has played Safin twice before, and lost on both occasions, but that was four years ago in 2002. The Frenchman is now much improved, and will be keen to repeat his stunning Davis Cup performance from the first tie.