Pardew hinted at a new formation last summer (i think?) and we briefly tried it in January, but 4-3-3 doesn't work with Guthrie-Perch in midfield and Simpson at right back. Gervinho was probably targeted with that in mind. I reckon we're ultimately heading to a 4-3-3, but we need another full back and the right type of CM to go with Tiote and Cabaye. Signing Cisse might change things though...we shouldn't really bump Ba onto a wing. So I hope Pardew has a plan!