Originally Posted by
portu
To counter my own worry about the lack of fullbacks: that might be on purpose. Explanation/Line-up below (3-4-3).
Backline -- If Criscito comes then you'd have three centrebacks on TAM/DP money. Criscito/Salcedo/Mavinga could be the best backline in the league, granted that Mavinga rediscovers form. Mavinga, Salcedo, O'Neil could be very decent for a time as long as none of them get brutally injured.
Central Midfield -- A two-man central midfield would explain why Delgado left and they're not worried about a replacement. As well as why BB has been open about his desire for Poz to do more defensively, which would be necessary in a pivot. You'd have Bradley and Priso off the bench and Okello off the reserves would be excellent (you'd want at least one guy who could start on the bench).
Wings -- This is the only gap. Shaff is a starter and would offer overlap once Insigne arrives. You could start JJ and Akinola, but JJ is a more striker now than anything else - you don't pay a transfer fee to play him out of position. JMR could push to be a starter maybe, I think we all know Nelson isn't ready and Achara is not starting quality. Regardless after the deal that fell through for the young winger from SA, they are certainly after a deal like that.
Overall, in this scenario, you'd really only need to get a couple starting quality wingers in. I am speculating though, and BB usually plays 4 at the back.
3-4-3 Now
???, JJ, ???
Shaffelburg, Oso, Poz, ???/JMR
Mavinga, Salcedo, O'Neil
Westberg
3-4-3 by Summer
Insigne, Akinola/JJ, ???
Shaffelburg, Oso, Poz, ???/JMR
Mavinga, Criscito, Salcedo
Westberg
*I use ??? to denote a spot where there isn't someone who can (should?) start on the roster