Considering the fact we will probably field 4 midfielders, of wich 2 are gonne play wide positions (Camo and Nedved/Giovinco) we'll hav 2 positions left. Those will probably be filled up by Sissoko and Poulsen with Zanetti, Marchsio, Ekdal (kinda) and (for now) Tiago as back up. I like the situation where there are 2 players for every position. This we way we have that situation. The only problem there is, like you mention, is the fact we have 2 injured players.
well yes; two players for every position... that's what i want to say;
DM: Poulsen/Sissoko
LM(A): Nedved/Giovinco
RM(A): Camo/Marchionni
CM: Zanetti/?? Marchisio?
I'd say ekdal should be played one year in primavera. We would only harm him oîf we'd bench him for a whole season, he needs playing time. Marchisio is, as i said, a big question mark. He's a talent that's for sure, but he's coming from an injury, and he was behind people like cigarini in the olympic squad... He had some good games, but he was never a real game winner, like giovinco for example, for empoli. Tiago is gone for sure, he's not been lined-up in the artmedia game, and that means to me that he's going. That leaves us, as i said, with an aging and injury-prone zanetti, and a young and unproven marchisio. I'm not saying we are doomed without aquilani, because zanetti IS a quality player, but alberto would be a valuable addition to our midfield.
as posted in another thread already, we could be very versatile with him in our formation, for games where we need to hold the ball, and cannot start too offensively;
_________ Amauri _________
Giovinco ____________ Camo
_________Aquilani_________
____Poulsen___Sissoko_____
This formation is very versatile, because giovinco and camo can move up and down just as we need them. More defending, to hold the ball, or as 'support striker' (giovinco mainly) when moving forward and cutting into the middle.
Plus, we can take out one DM and field another striker any time. Or take out one of Gio/Camo for another striker... Also trident could be possible if aquilani moves further up a little.
That's how i would play, but aquilani seems not to be joining anyway, so let's sit back and wait.