Swansea City head into the international break sitting sixth in the Championship table, three points adrift of leaders Birmingham City, despite a run of three defeats in four games.
The recent results have taken some of the shine off what was the club's best start to a league season for just over a century, but head coach Vitor Matos will still feel broadly positive about the progress made by his side.
Selection debates across the pitch
Matos has shown he is not afraid to rotate his team where he deems necessary, adapting to opponents and aiming to keep freshness in a side tasked with playing a high-intensity brand of Jurgen Klopp-inspired football.
Lawrence Vigouroux remains the number one, while Josh Tymon, Ben Cabango and Stephen Welsh are among the first names on the teamsheet when fit. At right-back, Filip Lissah is arguably ahead of Josh Key right now, although there is an argument for moving him into the heart of defence for some games.
In midfield, Jay Fulton, Goncalo Franco and Marko Stamenic are all contenders for a double-pivot role, although Matos has seemingly moved away from that shape in the last couple of games, favouring what has essentially been a 4-3-3.
Midfield and attacking options
Stephen Eustaquio's recent absence has likely influenced that change, and if the Canadian returns to fitness, recent performances suggest Matos has to find a way to fit him in. The midfield partnership of Eustaquio and Stamenic has looked the most effective, with Eustaquio often pushing a little further forward when required.
In the number eight role, Elijah Just has not quite caught fire since his summer arrival, meaning Melker Widell remains the best-looking option at the moment. The Swede has not yet scored for the Swans, but his skillset, particularly out of possession, suits the high-pressing style Matos wants to play.
Out wide, Eom Jisung is likely to be considered in his best position, although there is plenty of competition. Moussa Yeo and Joseph Opoku have shown they are capable of doing what Matos wants, while Ronald has also shown improvement on last season.
Striker headache and young talent
Up front, Matos is spoiled for choice. Zan Vipotnik, last season's Golden Boot winner, is a ferocious finisher, but not one to press from the front in the way Adam Idah does, or indeed Ross Stewart, who has shown he is more than capable of muscling in on the first-team picture.
All three players carry different profiles, so deciphering the best option is one of the biggest headaches facing Matos right now.
Youngster Jeremy Monga has not yet made an appearance for the Swans, with the feeling that the teenager still needs time to come up to speed, although he would have come on for his debut against Blackburn Rovers were it not for knocks elsewhere. Speculation over a possible return to Manchester City is gathering pace among supporters, but at the time of writing there are currently no plans to cut his spell short.
