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French Cup gives minnows chance to bask in limelight

The soccer New Year in France begins this weekend as the top flight clubs join the minnows to battle it out in the last 32 of the French Cup.

Only two all-first division clashes were drawn for this stage of the competition as Auxerre take on former European greats Saint-Etienne while Britanny side Lorient play host to Valenciennes.

The tie between Lorient and Valenciennes, who were both promoted in June 2006 to the first division, is probably the highest profile with both clubs performing well in their second season at the summit of French soccer.

Valenciennes are 6th in the domestic league while Lorient are 8th, 10 points and 14 points respectively adrift of leaders Lyon.

In contrast Auxerre and Saint-Etienne have failed to find their stride this season and are both off the pace in the league, 15th and 10th place respectively.

League leaders Lyon, who have not won this trophy since 1973, kick-start their campaign against Parisian suburb side Creteil, while this season's first division surprise package Nancy welcome Reims for a Northeastern derby.

Struggling Paris Saint Germain, winnners in 2006, will hope to breath some life into a very disappointing start to the season when they make the trip to amateur side Epinal.

The club from the capital, who find themselves just two points off the relegation zone in the league, will certainly be trying to avoid a slip up in this potentially embarrassing fixture and start the new year on a winning note.

Paul Le Guen will be without the services of star striker Pauleta through illness while midfielder Jerome Rothen, who has recovered from the same viral infection, could feature.

Meanwhile Marseille, who have struggled to find their form this season, begin their bid to reach the final for the third straight year with a trip to National division side Beauvais.

In the other encounters on-form Nice welcome Le Havre, joint leader of the second division, while reigning cup-holders Sochaux should have no problems securing a ticket for the next round having been drawn against amateur side Maubeuge.
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