Lille - France captain Yannick Noah has chosen Jeremy Chardy ahead of Lucas Pouille for the opening match of the Davis Cup final against Croatia.
Chardy will lead 10-time champion France against Borna Coric on indoor clay at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium on Friday.
Pouille sealed France's victory over Belgium in last year's final and was widely expected to be picked again.
Chardy is unbeaten on indoor clay in the Davis Cup.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who missed most of the season through injury, will then play Marin Cilic, Croatia's top player, in the second singles match.
Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut are set to face Mate Pavic and Ivan Dodig in Saturday's doubles.