The Scots upset the form book when they beat the World Cup runners-up 1-0 at Hampden last year thanks to a Gary Caldwell goal.

After beating the Faroe Islands in June, Scotland sit third in their group and must beat Lithuania at Hampden on September 8.

Alex McLeish's side would then take on the French on September 12 realistically needing at least a point to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Left-back Abidal, 28, who joined Barcelona from Lyon in the summer for around £10million, is in Scotland with the Catalan side to play friendly matches against Dundee United and Hearts.

But when asked to consider the match against Scotland in two months' time he said: "It is a chance for us to get revenge for our defeat at Hampden.

"We should be able to beat Scotland and ensure qualification but every team chance has a chance to qualify.

"We do not focus on individuals, we focus on the team.

"And it is never that easy playing against Scottish teams.

"Scotland are a very defensive team and defend vigorously.

"They try to their best to stop other teams playing.

"What is important for France is to seize our chances when we have it."

Abidal expects something approaching a dress rehearsal when Barcelona take on United at Tannadice on Thursday and Hearts at Murrayfield on Saturday.

He said: "Not all teams play in the same manner but most Scottish teams have the same mentality.

"It is important that anything I learn from these games I pass on to my colleagues in the national side.

"But we will have to be combative."

Midfielder Deco was less than convincing when asked about speculation linking him with a move to the Premiership.

The Portuguese international came in for heavy criticism after Barcelona surrendered La Liga to rivals Real Madrid last season.

The 29-year-old looked pensive fielding several questions about his future and said: "I've got a contract until 2010 and I'm very happy here.

"Whenever Barcelona don't want me they just have to tell me but I have not heard anything.

"I just want to play football, that is the most important part of my life apart from my children."

The former Porto player is not expecting too much from the match against United at Tannadice on Thursday.

He said: "It will be the first game of pre-season so it's a bit early to draw conclusions.

"The match is mainly for getting ready for the new season."

Hearts have sold 45,000 tickets for the visit of Barcelona to Scottish rugby's headquarters on Saturday and fans have been warned that none will be sold on the day of the game.