I think the only reason Schlupp plays is that he can actually run and get about the pitch. Hughes has been a massive disappointment for me as I didn’t realise how slow he actually was and Riedewald may look ok in 5 minute bursts but he is out of his depth in this division. Luka and Doucoure is never likely to happen as a starting pair.

I think missing out on Flynn-Downes is now coming back to haunt us. He would have been perfect with CD

Edited by EddieMac (21 Oct 2022 1.06pm)

I always thought Hughes and Doucoure should anchor our central midfield with the more creative Eze and Olise on the wings. I’d have Zaha and Ayew up front.

The beatings will stop when morale improves.

He's out against Everton isn't he? We need two - I'm guessing Reidewald and Schlupp will start together, with Eze at 10 and Wilf on the left. However, we might start with Wilf more central and put Edouard out wide. Wouldn't be too bad if we could do that and interchange like Bolasie and Wilf used to. I don't think Everton are that clever.

Red and Blue Army!

I've seen no fitness updates ahead of the Everton game. Making assumptions, therefore:-

I'd guess Riedwald isn't an available option for holding midfielder because he will be needed at left back.

Since Hughes has had a two match lay-off for illness, at best he'd be a substitute option.

So Luka it will be. He's been looking more himself on his last two appearances so I'm hoping significantly enhanced defensive robustness will be trade-off for Ducoure's role in the high press and attack. Maybe preferring Ayew in midfield to Schlupp would restore the balance?

Luka hasn't played 90 minutes this season - anymore than Ducoure has. Let's hope Hughes is fit for the last 15 - 10 minutes and that might be a time to bolster defence by bringing Schlupp on.

Macca when fit. No questions asked. However until then, I’d go Luka. He played well when he came on against Leicester and let’s not forget the quality he possesses - perhaps with the personal situations and national team dramas behind him, we’ll see the best of him again. Although granted, questions remain about his turn of pace at this level.

I agree. Macca will hopefully be fit after the World Cup. I was never convinced Hughes was a great signing and so it has proved, although he may be worth a go once he recovers fully from his virus.

For now Luka should be played and just told to sit in front of the back four. This will suit our passing from the back and will allow Doucoure licence to go forward.

I can see why PV plays Schlupp, however, his lack of discipline in the position is criminal. How hard is it for 2 midfielders to agree that one sits when the other presses and vice versa