Monaco head coach Claudio Ranieri has handed a first start to former Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov for his side's home clash against Sochaux in Ligue 1.

Berbatov will be partnered in attack by Valere Germain, while injury doubt Eric Abidal has not been deemed fit enough to start the game.

For the visitors, Jordan Ayew starts in the lone striker's role in a 4-5-1 formation, while Roy Contout will provide grit from midfield.

Monaco: Subasic; Fabinho, Isimat, Carvalho, Kurzawa; Moutinho, Toulalan, Obbadi; James, Germain, Berbatov

Sochaux: Pele; Marange, Zouma, Carlao, Faussurier; Malsa, Doubai, Corchia, Roudet, Contout; Ayew