Well it's many theories. But given that Tiote, Cabaye and HBA are definite starters, it means that if our formation is 4-4-2, HBA has to play left midfield (offensive). Then there are two free spots up front, Ba taking up one of them, and the one we never got taking up the other. If our formation is 4-5-1, HBA takes the one CM place alongside Cabaye with Tiote behind them, given a free role to distribute all night. Accordingly there are 1 forward spot, which the mystery forward would have taken at the expense of Ba (not Best imo). I say this because it was obvious we were looking for a class striker (Carroll replacement), and Ba was brought in very early (as a 80/20 starter I presume). Seems Pardew is prefering 4-4-2 though, ergo Ba ain't having the backup shit.