The report lists Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande, Nicolas Pepe and Simon Adingra as contenders for the wide roles. That is a different problem from the usual tournament concern: Ivory Coast appear to have several routes to create danger.
Pace and direct running are likely to be central to their plan against Ecuador. Fae must decide whether to prioritise one-versus-one ability, experience or the most aggressive runners. Whichever combination starts, the flanks are expected to carry much of the Elephants’ attacking threat.
The centre of the team looks more settled, with Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare and Seko Fofana expected to form the midfield. The report credits them with 15, 12 and seven international goals respectively - 34 between them.
Those figures matter after Sebastien Haller was reportedly left out of the squad. Guessand, who the report says has four international goals, is expected to lead the line. His movement and finishing will need to be supported by runners from midfield and service from both wings.
A reported thigh problem for Evan Ndicka is expected to keep him out of the opener, bringing Agbadou into the projected defence alongside Odilon Kossounou. If that selection is confirmed, the change will be the main disruption to an otherwise familiar back four.
That pairing must handle Ecuador’s movement without allowing the defensive reshuffle to weaken Ivory Coast’s attacking ambition. The opener will test whether Fae can balance width, midfield goals and defensive stability.
The first fixture should reveal which winger wins the selection battle - and whether Guessand can carry the responsibility created by Haller’s reported absence.