Giovanni Simeone vs Khouma Babacar: Who should start?

The most difficult part of football is scoring goals, and both Khouma Babacar and Giovanni Simeone have been struggling to get the ball in the back of the net. Stefano Pioli has a selection real problem up front, as Simeone has the edge with four while Babacar has three.

Giovanni Simeone

What Simeone has on his side is youth and it’s still only his second season in Italian football. While he hasn't been prolific there are positive signs for the Argentine. Despite not scoring many his desire cannot be questioned, offering a lot to the side including his work rate.

One thing he’s also added to the team is his brilliant link-up play with the likes of Federico Chiesa. He’s added four assists to his name since joining the club, which equals the amount he’s had in his whole Serie A career. He’s averaging a goal or assist every other game which isn't bad at all. Far too many times he’s been too isolated up top with Marco Benassi the furthest midfielder forward.

For Simeone’s sake, a natural attacking midfielder to play behind him could be the answer to his problems, such as Ricardo Saponara. If only the club hadn't forced out a certain creative Spanish midfielder....

Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Khouma Babacar

Babacar is Fiorentina’s longest serving player despite being only 24 years of age. With Babacar there is obvious talent. Much like Fiorentina themselves this season, Babacar’s problem has been consistency. With his physical attributes, he can be a nightmare for defenders. He’s strong, quick, a solid finisher and also has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.

The question is if he can be Fiorentina’s main striker throughout the season. None of Vincenzo Montella, Paulo Sousa and now Pioli have trusted Babacar for the long haul, which begs the question as to why can't he manage to impress a manager. However, with Babacar scoring a last-gasp equalizer at the weekend he's given Pioli a big decision to make and it might be Babcar’s last chance to save his Viola career.

As Senegal have qualified for next year’s World Cup he may seek a transfer in January to to boost his chances of going to Russia next year. There’s been recent speculation that Crystal Palace, who are bottom of the Premier League, are keen on signing him.

Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images

Up next is Sassuolo at the Franchi. Let us know who you’d want to play up front.