January signing Jordan Ayew has been selected by Sochaux head coach Herve Renard to lead the line in the vital home clash against Nice in Ligue 1.

Sochaux could close the gap on 17th-placed Evian TG with a win, and Renard has opted for a five-man midfield to help him achieve this, headed by Roy Contout.

For the visiting Nice, Dario Cvitanich is selected up front in an attacking formation that includes Eric Bautheac, Valentin Eysseric and Jeremy Pied in behind him.

Sochaux: Pele; Faussurier, Sunzu, Carlao, Marange; Pric, Ilaimaharitra, Corchia, Roudet, Contout; Ayew

Nice: Ospina; Kolodziejczak, Bodmer, Genevois, Puel; Abriel, Mendy; Bautheac, Eysseric, Pied; Cvitanich