Riviera deep, mountain high

Only opportunity
For three of the semi-finalists, the League Cup offers the only real prospect of European qualification this season - eighth-placed Monaco could yet achieve it through their league position. But if, in theory, Nice's 20km trip to the Stade Louis II represents a chasm in terms of resources and experience, visiting midfielder Olivier Echouafni remains confident, saying: "Anything can happen in a single game.

'Script written for an upset'
"It's a big cup match and a derby too - the script is written for an upset," he continued. Both teams warmed up with a league win on Saturday. Nice, eleventh in Ligue 1, were impressive 2-0 victors against high-flying LOSC Lille Métropole.

Recent upset
Monaco, for their part, bounced back from their French Cup humbling by lowly SR Colmar with a 3-0 triumph at Stade Rennais FC, new boy Christian Vieri scoring twice. "They have plenty of big-name players, but it will be a question of mental strength," said Nice striker Marama Vahirua.

Unbeaten record
Since they returned to the top flight in 2002, Nice are unbeaten at Stade Louis II, and they will take heart from Ligue 2 side CS Sedan-Ardennes who reached last year's French Cup final after prevailing in the principality.

Rising stars
Wednesday, meanwhile, sees the meeting of Nancy and Le Mans, who finished first and second respectively in Ligue 2 last term. Both have fared well among the élite, as their current placings of 13th and ninth in Ligue 1 testify, and a cup final appearance would cap a fine campaign for either.