We're really going to suffer up top with out Suarez and Dembele. Setien needs to get Griezmann in the middle, Messi can play inside right with some freedom of course and then Alba can be the point of attack on the left. Not sure where they're going to do with the emergency signing thing, but not liking our options. There was plenty of time to sign someone with some good options in January but they didn't get it done.
You know, I've been watching my hometown team (Club Brugge) play a 3-4-2-1 formation for a couple of years now and I see how much trouble opposing sides have with it and all I can think about is why doesn't Barça ever try that.. I mean they have the players for it
Look, you've got Pique, Umtiti and Lenglet at the back so instead of always sitting one, why not get them all in there. Pique covers the right, Lenglet covers the left.
Alba can take the entire left flank, he already does in the current 4-3-3 but he would be less of a liability with Lenglet providing more cover. Same thing with Semedo on the right, honestly Semedo needs to make forward runs, he doesn't do nearly enough of them right now but switching to this formation would do wonders for him. And again, with Pique covering for him defensively.
This formation also allows for at least 1 of those CB's (mostly either the left or right CB since the central CB would be the last line of defence) to go forward when needed and provide some attacking support.
More so, this system would also allow for Griezmann to stay in the middle as a true striker, with Messi in support in a free role.
That's 3 spots remaining in midfield, ideally you'd have 2 of those go to players who can make runs forward and score the occasional goal and one providing more defensive cover (Busquets). But alternative roles are possible as well depending on the opposition.