I did the math to determine the scoring rates (per minute) of the 3 primary forwards. This is what it works out to in terms of minutes played per goal: Villa 111, Sanchez 439, Pedro 419, so Villa is scoring at a rate approx 4 times higher than the other forwards that both have much more playing time. I understand that there is more to being a forward than scoring, but come on. Are they going to give us 72% ball possesion vs 70% when Villa is in and that is worth reducing scoring from that position to 25% of what Villa is producing. I cannot imagine that being the case.
The lineup against Madrid should have been Villa, Messi, Pedro with Inesta back at midfield with Xavi controlling play allowing Messi to play further up the pitch instead of as a midfielder half the time.
I imagine this game is really going to deflate Villa, I imagine he will push for an exit from Barca. I certainly would since this hurts his changes with the national team which means the world to Villa. Its a sad state of affairs IMO.