The hype isn't really about Sokler. It's about having a striker who makes intelligent runs, watches what the other guy is doing and adjusts his game accordingly. Duk is a far better individual player and more likely to score, you're right. The issue is that he often doesn't score, and when he doesn't he's effectively a drag on the side. I have no doubt he'll come tanking back 80 yards to make a tackle on the edge of his own box, to shouts of DUKKK!!, then two minutes later he'll let an opponent wander away from him as he stares at the ball. He's unreliable as a team player.
Barron and Clarkson could start together if Robson is willing to go with the 4-2-3-1 again. Clarkson in front of Barron and Shinnie. I'd be very skeptical of McGrath maintaining his position on the left of a three, I think he'd get drawn towards Clarkson, but it would be interesting at least. The only other option to start them both is to drop McGrath, which would be harsh. Either way, it wouldn't fucking matter, as Robson would insist on playing one of them as a number six with Shinnie in front.
I think he'll simply switch Barron in for Clarkson and play the same shite as Wednesday and be surprised it doesn't work. Probably take Rubezic back in too, for reasons.