RoberticusBoth halves of the pitch reflect Barcelona's front five; what I would imagine to be their attacking options

17.07.2009

CaptainGerardSurely they'll not sign Ibra and Villa together. Whoever they sign he'll lead the attack rather than playing like wing forwards as in your top bit.

17.07.2009

RoberticusYeah, looks like Villa is staying at Valencia.

But the principle of the formation is true: this is what Guardiola wants for this season, at least as a Plan B to the 4-1-2-3. As seen in the games versus Madrid and Manchester United, he will place an attacking player as a false striker, the way Cruyff used to alternate Laudrup. Sometimes he (Messi or Ibra; they could rotate)will be up against the centre-backs, on other ocassions he will drop off into the midfield to confuse the centre-backs (do we follow him??) and allow the wide players to cut in and head for goal.

24.07.2009