St Etienne manager Alain Perrin has cast an envious glance at the resources available to Bordeaux counterpart Laurent Blanc but refuses to accept his side cannot match their opponents on Saturday.

Perrin believes the wealth of talent available to former France captain Blanc makes it possible for Les Girondins to compete strongly both in Ligue 1 and in the Champions League, but feels his players can still cause an upset at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

Bordeaux, top of the standings by two points after seven games, are sure to present the toughest of tests and Perrin admits to being overwhelmed by the strength among the reigning champions' playing staff.

Playing just three days after beating Maccabi Haifa 1-0 in the Champions League may be expected to take its toll on the visitors, but Perrin expects to see a host of well-rested players drafted in.

"Bordeaux will surely include players fresh, as was the case during their Champions League match," Perrin told www.asse.fr.

"But when these players are Fernando Cavenaghi, Jussie, Fernando, David Bellion...this shows the extent of the quality available to Bordeaux.

"Bordeaux are a Champions League team. That means he (Blanc) can compete on two fronts. He has another team that allows him to challenge for the championship."

Despite praising Les Girondins, Perrin will nevertheless be asking his players to push for victory against their illustrious opponents.

"We will fight to take the three points, we must do our utmost to make them fall. We are not beaten beforehand, quite the contrary, we want to do something special."

Yoann Gourcuff is set to miss out for Bordeaux after coming off at half-time in their Champions League clash against Haifa with a thigh complaint.

"He has a muscle strain behind his left thigh. He will take some time off and it will do him good," said Blanc.

Fernando is in line to replace the French international, as Blanc attempts to see his side to seventh win and an eight game undefeated.