Expected to be a bit subdued (3)
I believe the answer is:
due
'expected' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'a bit subdued' is the wordplay.
'a bit' says the answer is hidden in the clue (the answer is formed by a bit of the clue).
'DUE' is hidden in the letters of 'subdued'.
'to be' is the link.
(Other definitions for due that I've seen before include "Owed, or payable immediately" , "Required; proper" , "Owed as a debt" , "Expected; appropriate" , "Entitlement" .)