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

[S.F.Sorrow]

Probably Reed, for a lack of better options. I don't think playing someone else out of position would be a good solution.

And maybe Iwobi (or even Lukic) for Cairney.

Reed+Cairney would be ok in the Championship but far too weak defensively in the Premier League. Especially at Old Trafford.

[perry geyton]

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.

You need creativity to win games and to
Control games, Lukic offers nothing in that department 

[perry geyton]

It amazes me on this thread the amount of people choosing Lukic over Cairney
It's like their throwing in the towel already

Man United are their to be beaten., Luton deserved a point today FFS

LOSER MENTALITY

[Grassy Noel]

It amazes me on this thread the amount of people choosing Lukic over Cairney
It's like their throwing in the towel already

Man United are their to be beaten., Luton deserved a point today FFS

LOSER MENTALITY

Not I Perry, as you will have seen. I never expect to get that memorable Lukic moment. I cannot even fantasise it.

[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.

Just a note for Luckic. If it was last chance to impress boy has he impressed. Thought was superb again today and we dominated their midfield. He has gone from nothing but safe 2 yard sideways passes to key passes and great runs forward and finally got a very well deserved goal. He is a bit of a cross between Reed and Cairney when playing well. Very good defensively and maybe not as good as TC but finally showing the creativity we have been looking for recently. Barely played with Joao and they looked great together. If this spell in the team hadn't gone well I would have sold in summer. This is now the Torino player we were all expecting. For me he's done enough the last month to be a key player next season. HUGE bonus for transfer funds. Well done Sassa.

 

[YankeeJim]

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

Care to reinforce your comment post match?

[Eton White]

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.

Just a note for Luckic. If it was last chance to impress boy has he impressed. Thought was superb again today and we dominated their midfield. He has gone from nothing but safe 2 yard sideways passes to key passes and great runs forward and finally got a very well deserved goal. He is a bit of a cross between Reed and Cairney when playing well. Very good defensively and maybe not as good as TC but finally showing the creativity we have been looking for recently. Barely played with Joao and they looked great together. If this spell in the team hadn't gone well I would have sold in summer. This is now the Torino player we were all expecting. For me he's done enough the last month to be a key player next season. HUGE bonus for transfer funds. Well done Sassa.

 

Totally agree. He was great today and it was good to see how well he paired up with Palhinha.

One point though - his name's Lukic, not Luckic!

[Twig]

Thought that was possibly Lukic' best game in a Fulham shirt. The most encouraging thing is that his improvement suggests there could be more to come.

[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.

Just a note for Luckic. If it was last chance to impress boy has he impressed. Thought was superb again today and we dominated their midfield. He has gone from nothing but safe 2 yard sideways passes to key passes and great runs forward and finally got a very well deserved goal. He is a bit of a cross between Reed and Cairney when playing well. Very good defensively and maybe not as good as TC but finally showing the creativity we have been looking for recently. Barely played with Joao and they looked great together. If this spell in the team hadn't gone well I would have sold in summer. This is now the Torino player we were all expecting. For me he's done enough the last month to be a key player next season. HUGE bonus for transfer funds. Well done Sassa.

 

Totally agree. He was great today and it was good to see how well he paired up with Palhinha.

One point though - his name's Lukic, not Luckic!

Sorry mate. I'm usually good with their names but in my defence I am very drunk celebrating. Lol

[filham]

I was sorry to see Lukic in today's line up instead of Cairney or Reed but once again Silva's team selection has proved correct.

[Bassey the warrior]

Lukic has been excellent the past three games, very comfortable both ends of the pitch.