May 31, 2002

Gabriel Batistuta may lead Argentina's attack against Nigeria on Sunday. at the expense of Hernan Crespo.

The pair have been battling for the striking spot, but it appears Bielsa may be leaning towards the veteran Roma forward.

"The ones who know Bielsa say he usually plays his first team in training exercises," said Argentine newspaper Ole sports daily.

Claudio Lopez is also likely to be the other main attacker, ahead of Christian "Kily" Gonzalez in the pecking order.

If Bielsa's training routines are anything to go by, it appears he is considering bringing in Matias Almeyda to take Diego Simeone's place in midfield.

Almeyda's inclusion would be something of a surprise - Argentine journalists said a good showing in Thursday's training session may have got him in.

It's not yet certain who will start in goal, though Pablo Cavallero remain the favourite in between the posts.

Argentina (probable): Pablo Cavallero, Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto Ayala, Walter Samuel, Javier Zanetti; Matias Almeyda, Juan Pablo Sorin, Juan Sebastian Veron, Ariel Ortega, Gabriel Batistuta, Claudio Lopez.

BBC Sport Online