France face an almost insurmountable Davis Cup task this weekend against a Spanish side featuring Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer.
Last year, France delivered one of the most stunning results in the competition's history whitewashing 2009 champions Spain 5-0 in the quarters. With Gael Monfils and Michael Llodra in inspired form, the French ran riot and with that humiliation firmly in mind, Spain will be keen to inflict similar punishment on the clay of Cordoba this weekend.
You have to feel a little for France. With Rafael Nadal opting to make the quick transition from cement to clay just days after losing in the US Open final, their task was already going to be tough enough but they're now missing their best player on the dirt as Monfils has not recovered from a knee injury suffered in New York.
With Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also out of action on day one, France have been shorn of their two leading stars and it will take a lot to prevent Spain going 2-0 up. Guy Forget put on a brave face at Friday's press conference insisting his side still has every chance but it will take some heroics from Gilles Simon against Ferrer to take this tie into a third day.
Tsonga will return for Saturday's doubles but along with Michael Llodra, he's up against one of the most formidable pairs in the competition - Felicano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco, who have delivered many crucial third rubbers for their country in the past.
Prediction: Spain to win 4-1.
