Just as they have for the last six years, Lyon lead the way in Ligue 1. However, the difference this season is that their advantage is no more than goal difference. Their main rivals are not Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain or even Bordeaux, but AS Nancy, who, with a game in hand, are well placed to go clear at the top.

Nancy are not the only surprise package in the early stages of the season. Currently lying third and sixth respectively are Le Mans and Valenciennes, who have been astonishing and seducing French football fans with their recent performances. Having already showed signs of their ability last season, both are now hoping to confirm their status as serious contenders.

Read on as FIFA.com outlines five major reasons why these three teams have a real chance to make an impact in the battle for European places this season.

Coaches who think like players
Pablo Correa, Rudi Garcia and Antoine Kombouare, the respective coaches of Nancy, Le Mans and Valenciennes, all have one thing in common: they still think like players and they all encourage their teams to attack. There is no danger of catenaccio-style defending from this trio. It is a high-risk strategy, but it makes for a great spectacle.

Nancy have shipped six league goals so far, while the other two teams have conceded ten a piece. But they make up for that thanks to their ability to score even more, and are all among the top five highest scoring teams. "It's all a matter of balance," says Kombouare."Last year, we put the basis of our defensive system in place, and that allows us to attack more."

Deploying at least three attacking players, all three teams boast great potency up front. And they use virtually the same system whether they are playing at home or away. "My team has such strong cohesion that all the players feel they have a part to play when we attack," says Garcia. "Our offensive moves often start with our keeper." Attack, as they say, is the best form of defence.

The fewer changes the better
In the football world, a desire for stability is one of the most commonly repeated mantras. Nonetheless, every summer players switch clubs, either by their own choice or as dictated by their clubs. At Nancy, Le Mans and Valenciennes, however, equilibrium reigns supreme.

Nancy, in particular, are in the rarest of positions in that they did not sign a single new player during the summer. "That was our choice, a deliberate decision," explains Correa. "We think we have everyone we need." Le Mans, meanwhile, made just one new signing (the Ivorian Gervinho).

Such a strategy can only help strengthen the cohesion within the squad. Valenciennes, on the other hand, have five new players in their first-choice starting eleven - David Ducourtioux, David Sommeil, Carlos Sanchez, Djamel Belmadi and Gregory Pujol or Johan Audel - yet have still managed to maintain their collective spirit. All of their new signings either endured relegation or struggled with their form last season, making them all the more determined to work hard do well for their new team.

It is impossible to talk about Nancy, Le Mans and Valenciennes without acknowledging the terrific atmosphere that prevails at all three clubs. "I need to feel that I love my players, and that they love each other," says Garcia. Valenciennes defender Abdeslam Ouaddou testifies to this, saying, "The atmosphere within the squad is first-rate. There is a desire to excel and to play well together. Everyone is aware that it is the collective that allows individuals to play and not vice versa."

When everyone is pulling in the same direction, the strength of the team is dramatically increased. At Nancy, for example, the three forwards are always the first line of defence and never hesitate to get back and lend a hand to their back four. The key word there is 'solidarity'.

Prolific marksmen
While they may not be as well known as the likes of internationals Milan Baros, Pauleta or Djibril Cisse, the forwards at Nancy, Le Mans and Valenciennes have shown themselves to be highly effective. Tulio De Melo (Le Mans), has eight goals so far this season, while Kim (Nancy) and Audel (Valenciennes) are both on five.

After suffering a serious knee injury 18 months ago, the Brazilian Tulio has turned out to be a ray of sunshine in Ligue 1. The gangly forward, who stands 1.93m but weighs just 80kg, has been giving defences a torrid time with his positional sense.

Conversely, his compatriot Kim and the left-footed Audel are both exceptionally strong with the ball at their feet. "Kim is our very own Ronaldo," says Nancy midfielder Pascal Berenguer. Audel, meanwhile has been one of the revelations during the early part of the season. The only person not surprised by his form is his coach. "I knew what he was capable of," said Kombouare.

"He played a major part in Lorient's success two years ago." The former winger, who has been converted into a centre-forward, has forged a wonderful understanding with his partners in attack and, in the words of his coach "is still improving".

Sustained challenge
'Sooner or later, they're going to crack.' How often have we heard that phrase used in relation to the surprise packages? "Every week, people say that these teams won't recover from their latest defeat," says Guy Roux with a twinkle in his eye.

"But Nancy, Le Mans and Valenciennes have already lost matches and, as far as I can see, they've always bounced back straight away. So I don't see why they can't keep going until the end of the season."

Moreover, in the case of these three teams, their performances are not a complete surprise. If last season they were not physically ready to maintain a challenge at the top of the table, and fatigue set in towards the end of the campaign, this season they have experience on their side. "Mentally, we're stronger than we were in previous years," says Berenguer.

In short, there is every reason to believe that Nancy, Le Mans and Valenciennes are set to continue their march to the top.