France will need a big effort at home if they are to avoid missing their first World Cup in nearly 20 years. France, beaten 2-nil by Ukraine last week in leg one as the Ukrainain's were at home in Kiev.

Head coach Didier Deschamps was a part of the French team that missed out in 1994 after losing their final two qualifying matches against Israel and Bulgaria. The dilemma for the hosts is that, while an early goal will settle nerves, attacking flat out early on leaves France exposed to a counter punch.

They need to win 2-0 to move on, or claim a three goal victory should Ukraine manage an away goal in leg two.

"The ideal scenario is to score quickly. We don’t have to be impatient but the reality is time is not on our side. I am not expecting a Ukrainian team that will sit back and defend. They are a high quality team, which was proved in our first match, so we need to put our efforts not only in attacking but also in defence." France Coach Didier Deschamps said.

For Ukraine, the playoff round has been the bane of their World Cup hopes in recent years. Ukraine has made just one appearance at the World Cup finals in its history, which came in 2006 when it reached the quarter-finals.

Mikhail Fomenko’s side will be without defender Oleksandr Kucher for the game following his dismissal in injury time Friday, but Ukraine should be confident of finishing the job following a qualification campaign that has seen it lose just one game.

"I think that the French team will attack. They need to overcome a deficit, so I think they will try to score quickly. Our play will depend on the play of our opponent. If they are aggressive, we will be too, but of course we will play by the rules." Ukraine Coach Mykhailo Fomenko said.