France's top clubs enter the French Cup this weekend with a minefield of potential stumbling blocks awaiting them.
League champions Lyon, Cup holders Paris St Germain and fellow giants Marseille and Monaco all face sides from outside the top two tiers of French soccer.
Marseille have the biggest potential banana skin with a trip to tiny Cambrai from the French fifth tier and they will be hoping to avoid the fate of Monaco last season.
The principality club lost to little Colmar last year in the early rounds and face a similarly hazardous trip this time around to Quevilly of the French fourth tier.
Lyon take on Aviron Bayonnais while PSG host Nimes of the third tier.
The smallest club left in the competition at the round of 64 stage is Pont de Cheruy who effectively hail from the seventh rung of the complicated French league structure.
They have been paired in a dream tie with first division Sedan and will believe they have a realistic chance of progressing.
The tie is at home and Sedan, rock bottom of Ligue 1 and without an away win all season, have greater concerns to worry about.
Many eyes will be on Calais, of the fourth tier, after their run to the quarter-finals last season evoked memories of their fairytale run to the final in 2000.
They begin their quest by hosting first division Lorient and can call on Ribery's younger brother Francois among their ranks.
There are two all first division ties between teams with Nancy hosting Lens and Sochaux travelling to St Etienne.
Lille travel to Metz, relegated from the top flight last season.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper and French World Cup winner Fabian Barthez is set to make his debut for Nantes, after ending his brief retirement, as his first division team tackle second division Guingamp.
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