Nottingham Forest have enjoyed a first month of the 2019/20 campaign under the stewardship of boss Sabri Lamouchi.
The French boss arrived during the first week of pre-season after Martin O’Neill was removed from his position.
After losing to West Bromwich Albion during the first game of the campaign, the Reds have embarked on a seven-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Eye-catching results including a win over Fulham at Craven Cottage, a resounding 3-0 win over Birmingham City at the City Ground and a Carabao Cup victory over Derby County by the same scoreline.
The Forest squad is currently in healthy shape with almost every position boasting two or more capable players.
On the back of that, we looked at four potential selection headaches for Lamouchi to mull over during the current international break:
Defensive midfield
Ben Watson still can’t catch a break with some supporters. Having impressed during pre-season he deservedly kept his place when the season started and in truth, he hasn’t done a great deal wrong.
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At 34-years-old, however, some believe that he just doesn’t have the legs anymore – a theory that isn’t overly problematic in the position he plays.
John Bostock has looked pretty good in a similar role when called upon, however.
Against Derby, the 27-year-old was arguably the Man of the Match and he looks like being a younger upgrade on Watson.
Right now, it would be a challenge to tell Watson he was being left out of the side but Bostock must be close to his first league start for Forest.
Uncle Albert rolling back the years
Albert Adomah hasn’t started a league game since Forest’s trip to Leeds on the 10th August and he could hardly have done anymore to prove his worth to Lamouchi.
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The 31-year-old scored against Derby in the cup and was also on hand to rescue vital points in games against Preston North End and Charlton.
Sammy Ameobi thoroughly deserved his place in the side after a standout substitute performance against Leeds.
If fit, however, the Championship expertise of Adomah could be a useful asset to Forest and Lamouchi will hopefully recognise that.
Where does Carvalho fit in?
The Portuguese magician has stepped off the bench in the last two matches, much to the delight of the club’s supporters.
Carvalho’s return to fitness is going to be Lamouchi’s biggest conundrum by some distance.
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The Forest boss hasn’t opted to play with a number ten too often but it seems likely that Carvalho will drop into his usual position when ready for a start.
That will take one of the midfield three out of the action and Samba Sow, Alfa Semedo and Watson have all had their good moments this season.
Add to the mix Tiago Silva and Lamouchi could be left scratching his head.
He is, of course, paid to make these big decisions, and it will be intriguing to see what the boss has planned for the club’s record signing.
Right-back
Although Carl Jenkinson is a natural right-back, Matty Cash has been making a pretty decent fist of playing there as well.
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Against Derby in the Carabao Cup, Cash was excellent; as he was in the league game against Leeds United playing at right-back.
With Jenkinson not quite yet up to full fitness, it will be interesting to see if Cash can earn a recall to the side after missing out against Preston.
Both are more than capable options. Cash, however, does perhaps offer a little bit more going forward.
That could prove decisive in Lamouchi’s thinking; especially given his high-press style of play.