FC Bayern Munich v/s FC Barcelona - UCL Semi-Finals - 1st Leg - PREVIEW

UEFA Champion’s League

Semi Finals - !st leg

Match: FC Bayern Munich v/s FC Barcelona

Date: 23^rd April, 2013

Time: 20.45 CET

Venue: Allianz Arena

We all know that FC Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona are two of the strongest teams in Europe. If one team can beat Barca at their own game, without the famous bus, it’s Bayern. If one team can end Bayern’s unbeatable form, it’s Barca. For a neutral fan, this is going to be 180 minutes of holy football. For fans of either of the two teams, I doubt they will have any fingernails left by the time the game ends. Both the teams are very similar in their style and philosophy. Both teams have majority of their players playing for their country as well. Youth system is something both the teams believe in (and the reason why Pep chose Bayern over English teams). Both the teams have hardly met, and personally I am curious to see how the meeting will be. It won’t be so easy to predict, I expect some element of surprise in the game; something none of us can think of.

INJURIES AND SUSPENSION:

Bayern’s squad

Injured: Kross, Badstuber ¦  Suspended: Mandžukić  ¦  One card away from suspension: Lahm, Dante

Barca’s squad

Injured: Puyol, Mascherano  ¦  Suspended: Adriano  ¦  One card away from suspension: Piqué, Alba, Song

BAYERN'S GAME PLAN:

Bayern Starting Lineup

Lineup after Key-subs

Barca’s weakness now is their defence, especially during counter attack. Bayern are decent in that area, so they must make the best of it. Bayern look more confident and sure if they have decent possession, something that even an “out of form” Barcelona won’t let them have. So they will have to get used to playing without much time with the ball. I think the possession will be 40-60, Bayern will not let Barca have much possession either (yes, 60 is very less for Barca :P). Fact that Barcelona have completed 7,220 passes, that’s 2,555 more than the second placed side in that department, Bayern Munich (4,665) proves it.Barcelona have the habit of building up a momentum before a goal. Bayern must be aware of it and break the momentum from time to time. That will break Barca’s confidence to a level. They must try to make the game more aerial and get an edge over Barca’s short players. Set pieces are not really the best thing about Bayern, but it won’t be that tough exploiting Barca’s defence in situations like corner and free kick; being aerial will help them.

On the defence, Messi will be of a real threat. Van Buyten and Dante will not be enough to contain him. Alaba must look out for him too, Messi can play as a pseudo right winger. Martinez will have to retreat back when Messi has the ball to his feet.

Dante must also keep an eye for Iniesta, he is more comfortable on the left. Dante and Lahm must work together to avoid a Messi-Iniesta link-up. If Iniesta finds the slightest of space to pass to Messi, there will most certainly be a goal. It is very difficult to win a tackle with Iniesta, however he must be cut off from the rest of his team.

Both of Barca’s full backs dominate their respective flanks. However, at times Alves or Alba may fail to retract back. Robben and Ribéry must make use of this weakness and create a chance for a goal when Barca’s defence is vulnerable. They both will also have to be fast to retreat when Barca launches an attack. Lahm and Robben must make sure that Alba and Iniesta do not link up. Alaba and Ribéry must prevent an Alves-Messi link-up at all cost.

Piqué-Bartra don’t make a very strong CB pair, Müller and Pizzaro must exploit that. They must stay forward even as the entire team plays deep. Piqué has a habit of going forward and Busquets is slow when it comes to retreating. He doesn't move forward much, so Muller will have to cover him up while Pizzaro deals with the CBs. Bayern must rely on long passes and counters, and the two forwards must take full advantage of any opportunity they get to bag in a goal. Both have an accurate aim at the net. Valdés can save long shots very well, but sometimes panics when the player comes too close to the net. However, Pizzaro and Müller must ensure that they get off-side as less as possible.

I am not sure who will play striker in the game. Pizzaro had a good game, scoring 4 goals out of 9 against Hamburg. Gomez just scored a hattrick in 6 minutes. However, Pizzaro has been more consistant and has 4 goals in 241 minutes in the CL, so I would expect him to start and Gomez to come on as a substitute. However, many people i have spoken to feel that Gomez may get the start; there is a good possibility to that too. He can beat Barca in set-pieces. 

BARCA'S GAME PLAN:

Barca Starting Lineup

Lineup after Key-subs

I know it, you know it, we all know it and we all say it. Barca has been struggling with their defence. Yet, Barca has a record of 4 clean sheets while Bayern has just 3. Unlike Inter, Chelsea and Celtic, I don’t see Bayern parking the famous bus or marking Messi and Iniesta with 5-6 men. Barca will get enough space to keep their tiki-taka going and scoring goals. However, Bayern will fight hard for possession and Barca must ensure to keep more of it. Bayern could lose confidence if they don’t keep the ball enough. Bayern have a similar weakness of conceding set pieces. If Barca could get one corner kick or free kick right, it could do a lot for them. An early goal will help a lot, every time they score in the first 10 minutes; we get to see a very confident Barcelona.

In the defensive side, Piqué and Bartra will have to deal with Pizzaro and Müller. They are not the best of dribblers but are accurate when it comes to getting the ball into the net. Busquets must ensure that the ball doesn’t reach either of them. Piqué must stay back at all times, Bayern have many players who could attack at any time of the game.

Alves and Alba must do their best to keep Ribéry and Robben occupied. Even a little space is enough for them to create havoc. If Alexis is played on the left, he may come handy in keeping them occupied, which Villa may not be able to manage. Both of them must not get carried away while attacking, retreating back from time to time is important.

Busquets will be instrumental in managing the whole defence. He will have to keep Schweinsteiger at bay. Bastian’s influence on the team is huge; we saw the difference in the second leg against Arsenal, where Bayern were almost knocked out. Keeping him quiet will weaken the team.

Bayern will do what everyone does, mark Messi. This is the time Barca’s other forwards must step up. Pedro may not be active, but he can always play the poacher. He is accurate when it comes to kicking the ball into the net. Let Dani Alves do all the hard work and create the perfect chance for Pedro, for this reason I would still play Pedro on the right. Messi could also be instrumental in assisting the pair. On the left, if Villa plays, he tends to shift to the centre while Iniesta can take charge of the left wing.

Barcelona should take a chance and give Tello a start in this big game. He will ease the pressure off Iniesta, who could concentrate more on his mid-fielding duties. The middle is left empty with only Xavi, who seemed a little lethargic in his last few games. I would also like to see Thiago coming on as a substitute if all goes well for Barca. With one of the best mid fielding talent possessed by Bayern, Barca wouldn’t want theirs to fail. I would have liked to see Song play, but given to the yellow card situation, I would save him for the next leg. Both Piqué and Alba have a talent to earn yellows, and Barca already lacks defenders. 

OVER-ALL SITUATION:

Bayern will want to make the best of the first leg. Messi will be completely fit by the second leg and Puyol will make his return in the game. Barcelona will most likely go for a draw in the first leg; they will try not to concede. A lot would depend on which players get suspended in the first leg also. It will be interesting to see which team manages to keep possession. We will witness the best mid fielders up against each other. Hopefully all of them will be in form. Messi vs Neuer will be worth a watch too. I just hope the referees won’t ruin it by being unfair to either team. I am tired of hearing ‘Barca buys the referees and win.’ And I certainly don’t want UEFA Munich to join the ranks of UEFAlona, UEFAdrid and Refrees United.

PREDICTION:

2-2 seems the most likely score in the first leg. Barca will focus more on denying Bayern more goals where as Bayern will try to make the best of the 'home ground' advantage. 

UCL STATISTICS:

Goals: Messi = 8, Müller = 5, Pizzaro = 4

Assists: Xavi = 4, Lahm = 4, Messi = 3

Team	Goals	Goals per match	Goals from Penalty	Goals from header	Goals from inside area	Goals from outside area	Passes completed %	Crosses completed	Ball possession
Bayern	22	2.2	1	3	16	6	76	11/39	57
Barca	18	1.8	1	1	12	5	83	29/46	68

HEAD TO HEAD:

Club Friendlies ‎(FR)‎	Jul 27, 2011	FC Barcelona 2 - FC Bayern München 0
UEFA Champions League ‎(UCL)‎	Apr 14, 2009	FC Bayern München 1 - FC Barcelona 1
UEFA Champions League ‎(UCL)‎	Apr 8, 2009	FC Barcelona 4 - FC Bayern München 0
Club Friendlies ‎(FR)‎	Aug 15, 2007	FC Bayern München 0 - FC Barcelona 1

KEY BATTLES:

P.S - This is my first preview and I needed some help. So I would like to thank my friend Madhav Dutt, a 'closet' Bayern fan to give me a bit of an insight from Bayern's point of view, Sairaam Mahadevan for helping me with the statistics, editing and formatting, and letting me do it at the first place, and Ram S.V to give in some useful critic.

Know Your Rival - R.C.D Espanyol

'The Strength of a feeling' - RCD Espanyol

Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol is one of the oldest clubs in Spain, founded in 1900 by Angel Rodriguez an engineering student initially known as the Sociedad Espanola de Football. One year later, the club changed its name to Club Espanol de Futbol. Espanyol was the first club in Spain to be formed exclusively by Spanish fans of the game.

In 1906, the club folded due to financial reasons and most of the players joined the X Sporting Club. They won the Campionat de Catalunya three times between 1906 and 1908. In 1909, this club was effectively relaunched as Club Deportivo Español, and in 1910, they adopted their present day colours. Espanyol are one of several Spanish football clubs granted patronage by the Spanish crown and thus entitled to use Real in their names and the royal crown on their badge. This right was granted to Espanyol in 1912 by Alfonso XIII and the club subsequently became known as Real Club Deportivo Español.

Following the abdication of Alfonso XIII in 1931 and the declaration of the Second Spanish Republic, due to prohibition of royal symbols, the club adopted the more Catalan/republican friendly name, Club Esportiu Espanyol. After the Spanish Civil War, the name reverted to Real Club Deportivo Español. (Courtesy - Wiki)

Youth Team

Espanyol has one of the best youth training academy just like 'La Masia' , grooms players under 14 to 19 ages. Antonio Morales the head of youth development a.k.a care taker looks into directly into the academics of these players and if the kids fail they are not allowed to play football on the weekend as a punishment. Just like at FCB , studies and football go together. Morales tries not to impose any kind of strict discipline on youth players so that it doesn't restrict their creativity on the pitch,  The B and Juvenil teams try to emulate the first team and their style of play. Under Mauricio Pochettino(now Saints manager) around 20 players made debut for the senior team.

They have 13 youth teams representing the club,  Prebenjamines (8 years), Benjamines (9-10 years), Alevines (11-12 years) and most Infantiles (13-14 years) are from Catalunya. From cadets until Espanyol B they sign players even outside Catalunya .Some of the notable players from the youth team are Jordi Lardin, Roberto Fresnedoso  Tamudo, De Lucas, Sergio Gonzalez, Capdevila, Argenso, Soldevilla, Moises Hurtado, Alberto Lopo or David Garcia,Dani Jarque.



Golden Period (2005-07)

Under Miguel Oruechebarría the Periquitos won their 4th Copa Del Rey in 05-06 season beating Zaragoza 4-1 with a brace from Luis Garcia and a goal each from Tamudo(c) and Coro.

Esp xi in CDR final

After two seasons with Espanyol and after winning his first silverware of his managerial career he left to his home club Real Sociedad to replace Bakero. He was succeeded by Ernesto Valverde (ex-player -played for Barca and also Espanyol)

2006-07 - A season every Barca fan tries to forget, losing the title to Madrid on Head to Head (76pts) . Tamudo's goal at Camp Nou in the dying mins gave the title to madrid (2-2) likewise

Esp xi in UEFA CUp final

Espanyol wont forget it either, they lost to Sevilla in the Final of UEFA Cup on penalties, similar to their loss in 1988 UEFA Cup finals against Leverkusen.

Espanyol has a dream run in the group stages winning all of their 4 games Ajax, Sparta Prague , Zulte Waregem and Austria Wien.

In QFs they faced Benfica they won 3-2 in the first leg, and 0-0 in the second which made them go through to the SFs where they faced Werder Bremen. Espanyol won comfortably 3-0 and 2-1.

And in the finals they faced a strong Sevilla side.

Espanyol and Sevilla ended at 1-1 after 90mins, then Kanoute scored for sevilla almost the end of first half of E.T then Jonatas scored the equalizer in the second half, a.e.t it was 2-2. Palop made some amazing saves denied Espanyol their first european trophy, who was eventually the MOTM .

Copa Catalunya and Derbi Barceloni

Translation: "You are not a rival, you are the enemy"

Started in 1903 when La Liga still didnt exist, then called as Championship of Catalonia, under Franco regime it was banned as they were made to play only in the competitions orgainsed by spanish federation. Once after the democracy was restored it was recognized officially . As of 2012, they changed the format to two competitions one for the Copa Catalunya and one for the Supercopa de Catalunya. But due to the disagreement of the two biggest clubs of the region Barca and Espanyol they permanently suspended the competition.

Derbi Barceloni is the biggest derby in the catalonia region, between Barcelona F.C and R.C.D Espanyol, with FCB holding most wins 88. But the Periquitos hold the highest margin of victory 6-0(1951-52).The eagerness to prove which club is the best in Barcelona often led fans more aggressive there were also instances when they had to play behind closed doors to avoid any causalities to the players and staff. Once they started playing under spanish federation it actually brought more viewers and media coverage to this derby. During the civil war, Barcelonas's directors had a plan of touring abroad central/south america which enabled them to collect more money than their local rivals who were thriving to get established even at local level.

Players who played for both sides

Ricardo Zamora
Ladislao Kubala
Zoltán Czibor
Cayetano Ré
Javier Urruticoechea
Pichi Alonso
Ernesto Valverde
Miquel Soler
Cristóbal Parralo
Fernando Muñoz
Iván de la Peña
Jordi Cruyff
Óscar García
Roger García
Joan Verdú
Simão Sabrosa

Daniel Jarque Incident

Jarque was regarded as one of the best talent in spain who made it through the ranks of Espanyol youth academy.
He was named the team's captain relieving Tamudo,but was later died due to cardiac arrest during the preseason in Italy.
His jersey "21" was retired and there is always minute of applause remembering him at 21' in home games .

Translation: "Dani Jarque, always with us"

His close friend from Barcelona, Andres Iniesta dedicated probably the best moment of his life to Jarque after scoring the winner against netherlands in World Cup 2010 celebrated by removing his jersey "Dani Jarque siempre con nosotros(Always with us)" written on his warmer.

He received a standing ovation from local rivals when he was subbed during the following season in Cornella el prat.

Financial Crisis

Just like any other smaller clubs in La Liga, Espanyol too fight for the remaining 50% of the available TV rights. No proper investors , losing talents are the main reason for club's limited growth.

Current position


Pochettino's contract was ended by mutual consent in Nov '12 due to some bad performances which led them fighting against relegation and he was replaced by Javier Aguirre , under whom they climbed to 11th* with 8 matches to go.

With the likes of Verdu, Sergio Garcia, Stuani, Tejera, Simao and Moreno doing a great work currently under Aguirre, Espanyol are likely to start challenging for an European position soon. Hope that day is not so far for the Catalans.

Sleeping Giants - Schalke 04

Football-club Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04

Veltins-Arena  , Gelsenkerchen

    I'm not a big Bundesliga follower , but just a simple guy who wants to know more the past . Many believe perfection in passing is birth right to certain Dutch and Spanish players . I decided to take you guys to the past to show how wrong we are about stereotyping a certain style of football only to certain people .

An era before Ajax and Barcelona 

    Between 1933 and 1944 Schalke won 11 west German regional championships , 6 national championship ; first German double winners ; they never lost a home game ; 6 of those seasons they were undefeated . How did they do it ? with a style that later went on to conquer the world - passing and moving the ball ( which was unheard of at those age )

    The most important thing about that side was all those players came from Glensenkerchen  area - again a reminder this is an age much much before Ajax revolution . Those group of players literally lived like a family - most of them were mine workers ( which may also be the reason why they are nicknamed Die Knappen - miners , but i cannot confirm it ) . Just to show you how close the squad were - Fritzs Sepan legendary midfielder of that Schalke side married the sister of  Ernst Kuzzora ( many consider him as the best player ever to represent Schalke ) . Still the connections aren't finished yet

* Frtitz Sepan's sister married Fritz Tehen 

*Ernnst Reckmann and August Sobosttka - married two women , they were cousins .

* Bernhard Klodt and Hans Klodt  were brothers .

    So there ends the connections between the players . Just to show how closely knit they were . 

Ernst Kuzzora  with Schalke 04

    As with many other sides Schalke's playing style of that era is rumored to have come from famous glaswegian side Queens Park . What's more interesting about it was at first the Gelsenkirchen  media and the club's loyal fans were not very much in fond of their team's style of play . Once the local news paper quoted "  Schalke 's love affair with the ball is restricting and unproductive " . As they say people can accept only one change at a time .

Legendary Schalke side 

    This Schalke side was famous for keeping the ball , interchanging positions - all with one-touch passing . Thus resulting in their nickname "  Spinning - top " - they moved the ball side to side and also up and down the pitch .

    Unfortunately they haven't won a single Bundesliga so far , finishing mostly second or third . The gap between the Gelsenkirchen side and the likes of  Bayern Munich  and Borussia Dortmund have increased this season . They are undoubtedly the sleeping Giants of German football . 

-sv

Challenging The Europe - 1. SWANSEA CITY AFC

((( This is a series analysing about the clubs that are in / likely to be in Europe next season (UCL or Europa). The tactics, transfers the clubs must make in order to challenge for a European title, etc )))

First up lets take up the new sensation in EPL, playing beautiful football under the able guidance of Laudrup - SWANSEA CITY. 

 The current team has it all to challenge for a 'European spot' through the league standings. After their 5-0 Championship winning victory over Braford City, Swans have already qualified for the 2013–14 UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying round, which has boosted the club morale tremendously.

Current Squad

But over-reliance on Michu in the attack and Williams and Chico in the defense have started to eat up their early form and victories. 

This is what Swans have to do to challenge at the European level.

Key Areas to be in check for Next Season - 

Centre Back Position:

Heart of Swans' Defense

 Now that most of the top PL clubs like United, Chelsea, Manchester City and even Newcastle have Williams in their radar it would be apt for the Wise-Man Laudrup to fix his defensive pair first, unlike making attack as their priority this summer transfer window as many fans want. Irrespective of Ash's departure, Swans definitely need a good backup in defense, since they will be playing in more fixtures with Europa League, next season. Asking the 34 year old Garry Monk to fit in every week, especially with Europa League to challenge for is bad. Alan Tate is the only proper CB backup Swans have got currently.

Alberto Botia (estimated at 3M Euros) is in the radar of Swansea. But the effect of this 24 year old La Masia graduate is questionable, given the fact that he has to replace one of the finest defenders in EPL currently. He has only made 4 apps so far this season with his current club Sevilla., but he was the main defender at Sporting Gijon for 3 years, until they were relegated to Segunda division. He should probably make a good backup, but definitely not fit enough to be a regular CB in England.

Amorebieta - The best possible CB option for Swansea

But the best buy would be the experienced 28 year old FERNANDO AMOREBIETA (estimated at 8M Euros), the Athletic Bilbao defender. Not only he has got a great physicality, he is also extremely good with tackling and during one - on - one situations. Besides he already has experience at the European level, also having finished up as runner-up in the previous edition of the Europa League. Having linked with clubs like FC Barcelona and Liverpool, the Basque club didn't put him up for sale last season. This time he has once again started to become a hot transfer in his position, after refusing to sign any extension to his contract which expires in 2014.  His experience, strength and eye for tackling makes him the best bet for Swansea to go for this summer.

The Worrying Midfield :

Chances of De Guzman staying is bleak

The Britton and De Guzman (on loan from Villareal) Central Midfield has started to break, since many clubs have started to get used to Swansea's passing around of the ball in the midfield. But with the help of Ki it may not be the main issue to be worried for the coming season. Yet it cannot be overlooked. De Guzman, whom Laudrup trusts highly (even from their Mallorca days) will go back to Villareal, where the Yellow Submarines are likely to regain their Primera spot.
When questioned about De Guzman's stay at Swansea next season, Laudrup just waved it away saying it is something to look out only in the summer. So it looks like his departure is most likely.

Canas beats Ramos for a header

It therefore becomes a major difficulty for Laudrup to find a replacement for the able midfielder. Betis' manager Pepe Mel confirmed already in January that their DM - JOSE CANAS (whose contract expires this year) will be leaving to Swansea this summer. Though it is likely to fall in, because of the Laudrup - Spanish Players chemistry, it is doubtful as to who will take up the role of De Guzman, since he is doing more of Iniesta's role at Barcelona (though there is high varying in degree as to the attacking duty is concerned) when playing in CM and not like any other CM duty. Probably Britton himself has to take that role, moving Ki alongside him with Canas as the CDM.

Canas trying to block a Messi shot

What Canas would offer Swansea is unquestionable defensively. He is probably one of the top 5 CDMs in La Liga, but just like most other talents from Liga, he is lesser known. Besides he is always overshadowed by Benat's versatality, where I would say Canas has been equally important for Betis' position this season. His long balls have caused havoc at every defense Betis has played against. What Swansea has been lacking was a proper CDM and Laudrup signed up Ki initially to fill in that position, but in the process he too has become (an effective) CM instead of CDM. This has allowed many teams like Liverpool, Spurs, Arsenal, West Brom (the immediate superior to Swans in the league table) and even West Ham and Norwich City to take advantage of this lag. Hence signing this Betis star would be the best way to solve this midfield crisis.

Buy a Proper Striker to free Michu from his Goal-burden :-

Michu should be relieved from his Goal-Burden

This is a crucial factor. The over-reliance on Michu as the sole striker has started to show its effects on the team. Whenever he failed to deliver, Swans have struggled badly. Though Michu continues with his brilliant scoring form, having the need to involve more in the build up before taking a shot will definitely take a toll on the player as well. Hence the need for a striker.

IAGO ASPAS is rumored to be the "Star Signing" of Laudrup this summer. Already linked with a move to Swansea in the winter, Aspas' agent confirmed that the striker would stay in Celta until summer, but also confirmed that a move to Swansea this summer is most likely despite reported interests from Liverpool, Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea.

Aspas - The Perfect Man for Swansea

 Aspas is not a typical centre forward, but a forward who also involves in the build ups and creates plenty of chances to his team mates. If you can see the heat map shown below, the work rate of Aspas has been outstanding, and also shows he has at times traded places to the left from the centre.

Aspas in action in the derby against Deportivo

The below chart depicts Aspas' Creative distribution of Chances for Celta's attacks this season. He has created significantly on either side and thrived more in the centre, which incidentally is what is lacking with Swans' attack.

Aspas' Creative distribution of Chances for Celta this season

Though he would probably be costlier than any other signing at Swansea (expected around 8-9 Million Euros) he is probably the best possible solution for Swansea to challenge for a European Cup.

RUMORS AND PROBABILITIES:-


                                                                                (Source - transfermarkt.co.uk and other websites)

PLAYER	CLUB	POSITION	ESTIMATED TRANSFER VALUE (in Million Euros)	PROBABILITY
Iago Aspas	Celta Vigo	CF	8	70 %
Jose Canas	Real Betis	CDM	Nil	100 %
Amorebieta	Athletic Bilbao	CB	8	20 %
Alberto Botia	Sevilla	CB	3	50 %
Mohammed  Abdellaoue	Hannover 96	CF	6	30 %
Mehdi Lacen	Getafe CF	CM	2.5	60 %
Miguel Madera	Getafe CF	CDM	2.5	60 %
Ibrahim Afellay	FC Barcelona	LW	6	5 %
Miku	Celtic FC	CF	4	20 %
Giovani Dos Santos	Real Mallorca	RW	3	30 %
Emilio Nsue	Real Mallorca	CAM	3	30 %
Tomer Hemed	Real Mallorca	CF	3	30 %
Riki	Deportivo	CF	Nil	60 %
Gabriel Tourje	Granada	RW	4	10 %

HOW THE SQUAD WOULD LOOK NEXT SEASON WITH THESE SIGNINGS:-

Best Possible Formation for Next Season :-

1) If De Guzman stays, but Williams moves out

Laudrup is likely to stay put with his 4-5-1 (4-2-3-1 technically) formation. Is Laudrup can convince De Guzman to stay and can also make the above 3 signings, they can even challenge for a UCL spot next season and are most likely to win the Europa League.

Best possible formation for Next Season

2) If De Guzman goes back to La Liga, there are three possible variants that the Dane might use.

A) Williams stays - And all the 3 signings are made :-

In this case, Laudrup can effectively go for a 3-5-2 formation, which is likely to be more effective in attacking than his usual 4-5-1. Since all 3 CBs are very much precautious and well-trained, they will not do any nonsense moves by going forward and leaving the space for attacking behind. Besides Canas will give the additional benefit of clearance and add huge boost to the defense. With both Dyer and Routledge on the pitch, the wings will be stretched as much as possible, which is very much evident in this season itself. With the centre being covered by Hernandez and Britton, it will be easier for Aspas or Michu to go for the goal than in 4-5-1. This formation is highly effective and also highly unlikely.

Most effective, but highly unlikely

B) Williams stays - but only Canas and Aspas are bought :-

In this instance, Laudrup's usual 4-2-3-1 with taylor/Davies in the left back and Rangel going forward in the right, Williams and Chico will remain at the heart of the defense. Canas providing support in the Central Midfield alongside Britton/Ki with Michu being the 'Trequartista' and Aspas, Routledge and Dyer/Hernandez   taking their usual slots. This is the most likely Team for the next season. Here nobody will be playing out of position and this by itself will be effective than the current one.

Effective and very much Likely

C) Williams leaves as well - and only Canas and Aspas are signed :-
This is probably the most riskiest of all possibilities, since defense will be in total peril with only Chico remaining as the effective Centre Back. Hopefully Laudrup ends up signing atleast a backup defender (like Botia) in order to survive all the fixtures effectively.

Most risky formation

SUMMARY:-

1. Buy an effective CB like Amorebieta as a backup/ replacement for Williams.
2. Try to hold De Guzman for one more season.
3. If not, Canas and Britton duo should be delegated their roles specifically, until Canas fits in EPL.
4. Most importantly buy a good striker like Aspas, who will take incharge of the goal duties and relieve Michu from goal-burden.

2) B) is the highly likely formation we would be seeing from Swansea. It is highly likely that Laudrup & Co will give an outstanding season as a treat to the fans with a surprise gift of Europa League win maybe. TRUST is the word for Swans. Hails Swansea, Hail Laudrup.

PS - Given Laudrup's love and preference towards La Liga players, who basically would fit in his tactics and reports from trustable websites, this post has included more La Liga players than others.