I think Brads is awol for past 2-3 weeks ... hope he's ok
btw, 2-5-3 was the best formation when I played on fulham server in 2005-2006 ... smashed formations like 4-5-1, 3-5-2 and also 3-4-1-2 (the one I used to play those days with quite succes) ...
on the other hand Holmes used to play 2-5-3 few seasons ago also succesfull ...
there are many good formations, I guess sometimes depends on which good players you have available ... and AT of course
Btw, I've noticed that 4-4-2 use wings is strong enough in longball conditions