Who do we think starts instead of Palhinha in the next 2 games?

[SerbianLad]

What's our midfield going to look like?

Probably Lukic or Reed start, but maybe Marco experiments and surprises us.

So far this season, Lukic started in his position vs Everton and Brentford, Reed vs Man City(Lukic was injured) and Wolves. Lukic came on from the bench instead of Palhinha vs Forest, Chelsea and now Villa, Reed vs West Ham and Burnley. In both cup games, Lukic played in Palhinha's position with Reed further forward.

Maybe Tosin/Bassey could play there. I guess Cairney-Pereira-Iwobi trio is also an option, but that seems too offensive.

My guess is, based on what Marco did so far, both Reed and Lukic start one game each, unless one who starts the first one plays exceptionaly well.

[Thames Bank 1]

Let's put it this way, as much as I love Marco, he seriously missed an opportunity today .
Iwobi, Bassey and Wilson should have started despite last week's result.Robbo again as much as I love his enthusiasm, which is basically all he has, needs to make way for traore at left back, and if only adama could finish, Arsenal away and now Villa home. We need to play the whole 90 mins, not 65-90

[Drewry66]

What's our midfield going to look like?

Probably Lukic or Reed start, but maybe Marco experiments and surprises us.

So far this season, Lukic started in his position vs Everton and Brentford, Reed vs Man City(Lukic was injured) and Wolves. Lukic came on from the bench instead of Palhinha vs Forest, Chelsea and now Villa, Reed vs West Ham and Burnley. In both cup games, Lukic played in Palhinha's position with Reed further forward.

Maybe Tosin/Bassey could play there. I guess Cairney-Pereira-Iwobi trio is also an option, but that seems too offensive.

My guess is, based on what Marco did so far, both Reed and Lukic start one game each, unless one who starts the first one plays exceptionaly well.

Was thinking about this and I think this could be Luckic s last big chance to really impress. I think it was telling that Marco subbed him on rather than Reed for Joao today. I get the feeling Marco sees Luckic as the back up to Joao over Reed.

I know it's not Luckic s favourite position but if Marco does opt for him for a few games can he finally really show something?

I am praying he does. One of the most frustrating signings we have made. Sounds like he has been excellent for Serbia and looked brilliant at Torino as well. Captained them and sounded like they were gutted he was leaving. Felt like a steal when we got him. 5 goals and 4 assists a couple of years ago! None for us so far and hasn't really ever looked particularly like doing either. Doesn't seem brilliant defensively and going forward just always seems to play short safe passes without any penetration.

All harsh however. Just looked at the minutes he has played and totals only 13 games. Like Muniz on the other thread that isn't much time to come good. A lot of those games played out of position. He looked excellent pre season and was first choice start of the season. Even if out of position in defensive midfield can he finally really take his chance? If not and he's poor I really wonder if we'll sell back to Italy in the summer. Harsh with limited game time but unlike Muniz he is not young and we would probably get most of our money back this summer as they really rate him in Italy. I hope he gets the next two games and has a stormer however to finally show his levels from Torino.

[H4usuallysitting]

Probably Reed or Lukic...but don't be surprised to see Bassey in that position

[Whitestone]

My guess is it'll be Lukic because he usually comes in when Palhinha is unavailable.

[The Rational Fan]

"Lukic #6 and Reed #8" should both start with Cairney on the bench, because either "Reed #6 and Cairney #8" or "Lukic #6 and Cairney #8" will be too weak defensively.

[bog]

Harrison Reed for me. No doubt about it.

[FFC In Oz]

I'd like to see with Lukic & Reed with Iwobi ahead of them.

However, I think it will be Lukic & Reed with Pereira ahead of them.

[filham]

Reed for me but suspect Silva will select Lukic.

[Dodger53]

Just hope it's not Reed. Since signing a new contract he has been well off the pace.

[Baszab]

Lukic is useless

Reed is useful

[Super Mick]

Utd should have been without Casemiro next week. Blatant second yellow against Luton, but as per normal, ref bottles it! VAR not interested. Standard!

[SerbianLad]

After some thinking and looking at the posts here, I've come to a conclusion that it would probably be sensible to start both Lukic and Reed, with one of Cairney/Andreas/Iwobi in front of them.

Neither one of Lukic/Reed is good enough defensively to replicate what Joao does, and if you take who our opponents are into consideration, we'll probably need both.

[Grassy Noel]

We are still waiting for a first memorable moment from Lukic. How long can we afford to wait?

[Shredhead]

We are still waiting for a first memorable moment from Lukic. How long can we afford to wait?

How about his first contribution yesterday was to scythe down a Villa player and get a yellow? At this rate he'll get a red quicker than the Sheffield player today and be out for the Brighton game. I'd start Reed ahead of him.

[SerbianLad]

We are still waiting for a first memorable moment from Lukic. How long can we afford to wait?

How about his first contribution yesterday was to scythe down a Villa player and get a yellow? At this rate he'll get a red quicker than the Sheffield player today and be out for the Brighton game. I'd start Reed ahead of him.

Daft move from him. Marco brought him on to avoid the risk off getting a player sent off(Palhinha) and that yellow rendered that decision useless.

On a more positive note, he stole the ball that initiated the Adama chance.

Still, I hope that he returns to his performance levels from the start of the season at least, where he seemed to have cemented his place in the starting eleven before his injury.

[perry geyton]

Reed Cairney

  Iwobi

Lukic needs to be sold he offers nothing, how anyone could suggest him over Reed is beyond me

[StuinSalop]

I would give Lukic 2 games next to Reeds energy to prove he has a future with us or not.  I would play Bassey and Tosin and out wide Iwobi and Willian or Wilson depending on Willian's hamstring, I may give him 2 weeks recovery time.  Cairney goes back to super sub probably for Pierra.

[Surlyc]

I think it's Lukic & Reed behind Andreas, with Iwobi coming in on the right.

I'd also start with Bassey/Diop at CB, bring more physicality & pace into the team.

[hovewhite]

Reed for me but suspect Silva will select Lukic.

me too