Blackburn Rovers' four dilemmas after transfer window shuts

Ryan Hildred

Taking durability and injury records out of the equation, and with the caveat that for a couple, it's based on what they should contribute to the side, I feel the strongest Rovers XI naturally starts with Balazs Toth in goal in the 4-2-3-1 formation. Since ousting Aynsley Pears, he's grown in confidence pulling off a number of smart saves already this season. It was great to see him start in goal for Hungary this week too. 

At full-back, Ryan Alebiosu has shown early promise to develop himself into a brilliant attacking right back for Rovers. On the other side, it's a tough weigh-up between Harry Pickering and Yuri Ribeiro. But I just favour Ribeiro for his 'dark arts', which we will need to rely on given the loss of experience in the squad.

At centre back and if we can keep him fit, Hayden Carter is on paper our best centre back and every bit the Championship athlete. With the need for experience and balance alongside him, Scott Wharton is my other choice, especially with his threat from set pieces. 

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In central midfield, Sondre Tronstad is Player of the Year and a shoo-in that doesn't need justification! Alongside him, I like the profile of Moussa Baradji as a powerful box-to-box midfielder - with the huge caveat around his fitness, of course.

Just in front of them both, Todd Cantwell has stepped into the captaincy admirably and we need him grabbing games by the scruff of the neck to make things happen. 

In the wide positions, as much as I am one of his biggest critics for contributing into the attacking column, we cannot fault Ryan Hedges' endeavours for the team. Augustus Kargbo is still a little too erratic for me and when he's started, I think he's gone missing a bit.

Therefore, I favour Hedges on the right, with Kargbo as an impact sub to make the difference against tiring defences. Hedges as well provides a natural balance for Alebiosu if we do want to push him forward. On the other side, Ryoya Morishita looks the pick of the summer signings and one I'm very excited to see develop into this side, especially on the left.

Upfront, Yuki Ohashi is another shoe-in. His ability to run the channel, his sharpness and how he leads from the front is critical to the side. Hopefully this is complemented with goals as he is important for our cause this season. 

Ryan's XI: Toth; Alebiosu, Carter, Wharton, Ribeiro; Tronstad, Baradji; Hedges, Cantwell, Morishita; Ohashi.

Mark Hitchen

Toth has to be in goal, he has been a steady pair or hands, which we've needed. Saves most of the shots he should.

Alebiosu has exceeded my expectations since he came in and deserves the right-back spot. I'd have Pickering on the left, though him and Ribeiro are both steady and neither worry me.

At centre-back, Carter needs a big season. He's 25 and needs to find consistency in his performances and fitness but we know the quality. I've been pleasantly surprised by McLoughlin too, who has been steady.

In midfield, Tronstad and Sidnei Tavares. The latter is neat but needs to show more as he adapts. If Baradji lives up to the hype, he could take his place.

Hedges does a good job for the team and complements Alabeiosu's athleticism. Morishita starts on the left after a bright 20-minute cameo which proved he's willing to run at defenders.

Cantwell has thrived in the number 10 role and will be critical in support of Ohashi. He needs to provide more of a goal threat and I think this will be the reason Gudjohnsen replaces him, ultimately.

Mark's XI: Toth; Alebiosu, Carter, McLoughlin, Pickering; Tronstad, Tavares; Hedges, Cantwell, Morishita; Ohashi.

Rory Larmer

When a club makes 10 signings during a transfer window, you hope that you can give these players the necessary time to bed in. That isn't the case for the majority of our new signings due to the lack of depth and experience in the squad. 

Toth is an easy selection; he is the undisputed number 1. Ribeiro has the left back spot it seems, although I would like Harry Pickering to be given a chance in the not-so-distant future.

McLoughlin takes the left-sided centre-back position but is obviously now serving a suspension, with Wharton an able deputy. Carter is our standout right-sided centre-back. I think the majority of the fan base will have a concern about this position with the loss of Don Hyam. Lewis Miller is not a centre back, no matter what narrative is communicated from the club. We need Carter to stay fit, and history suggests that will be a challenge. 

Tronstad and Tavares have the centre midfield jerseys, but I am very keen to see Baradji.

Morishita has enough pedigree to be considered a starter. The skipper, Cantwell is an obvious selection and imperative player.

I would select Hedges on the opposite wing to Morishita as I do not believe Dion De Neve is a realistic option right now, and would prefer Augustus Kargbo to come off the bench. Ohashi will start against Watford, but I want to see Gudjohnsen thrown into the deep end. An impressive performance against world-class opposition during the international break suggests he is ready to contribute.

Rory's XI: Toth; Alebiosu; Carter, McLoughlin, Ribeiro; Tavares, Tronstad; Hedges, Cantwell, Morishita; Gudjohnsen.

Mike Delap  

I can't imagine I'll be on my own with this assessment, but there are a lot of ifs, buts and maybes with the quality of our squad at the moment.

For now, I'd have Toth in goal, Alebiosu (who has looked promising) at right back, injury pending - big pending! - Carter and Wharton at centre back, Ribeiro on the left. 

In midfield, Tronstad is a straightforward pick. We haven't seen Baradji yet so a 'jury's out' call of Tavares alongside him. Morishita, Cantwell and Hedges would be further forward all operating behind Ohashi.

Mike's XI: Toth; Alebiosu, Carter, Wharton, Ribeiro; Tavares, Tronstad; Morishita, Cantwell, Hedges; Ohashi.

You can listen to Ryan on The Lancashire Telegraph's Arte et Labore and find Mark on The Blackburn End. Available on all podcast platforms.