BATIGOL SET FOR BIT PART ROLE

AFTER a stunning qualification campaign, Argentina are unsurprisingly rated as one of the favourites for World Cup 2002. Coach Marcelo Biesla has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, particularly in attack. But he has yet to decide on who will occupy the lone striker's role, so Opta decided to take a look at Argentina's options.

Biesla's favoured formation sees Argentina line up with two advanced wingers and only one out and out striker. For the last decade, Gabriel Batistuta has been guaranteed a forward role in the side, but after a difficult campaign with Roma, the powerful striker may now miss out on the greatest stage of all.

In the 2001-02 Serie A season, Batistuta struggled in front of goal, scoring just six times, having converted only 8% of his chances. In the Champions League the situation was even worse, with the legendary striker firing 33 shots at goal without scoring - more than any other player in the competition.

This is in stark contrast to Batistuta's first season in Rome, when he netted 20 times and fired more shots on goal than any other player in Serie A. But Biesla knows that he has players in better form than the 33-year-old, and they may well get their chance.

Lazio pair Hernan Crespo and Claudio Lopez have been highly effective this term, scoring 23 goals between them despite both players missing much of the season through injury. For much of the qualification campaign, Crespo occupied the lone striker's role and has shown himself to be adept in a similar position for Lazio, scoring with 22% of his shots.

Lopez has not been quite as effective in front of goal, but his 14% chance conversion rate is still better than Batistuta's while he has also set up five goals for team-mates this term, more than any other Argentine forward.

However, Bisela's most in-form forward is not even in the squad. Barcelona's exciting Javier Saviola scored 17 times in his first season in European football - more than any of the players Argentina have taken to the World Cup. The 20-year-old has netted with 30% of his efforts on goal and thrilled fans with his pace and dribbling abilities, but was considered too inexperienced to risk.

Biesla's preference for tried and tested players may yet prove to be Batistuta's saving grace. But if the coach opts for the forwards who have been the most effective over the last year, other options such as Crespo and Lopez will surely get their chance.