Talking points aplenty after Dons' opening four matches

Now four games into the new season, MK Dons' style, shape and formation is beginning to take shape. Two defeats, a win and a draw under their belt, there are also issues arising, talking points and selection compromises facing Russell Martin.

We take a look through some of those issues.

Callum Brittain - where best to play him?

One of the first names on the team-sheet in recent seasons, Callum Brittain has started two of the four games this season, both in different positions. On Saturday against Lincoln City, he was deployed in midfield as a lack of numbers forced his manager's hand, however right wing-back appears to be his strongest position. The goal-scoring performances of Regan Poole so far however make it tough for Martin to drop the Welshman in favour of Brittain.

A midfield full of options

Jordan Houghton, David Kasumu and Callum Brittain made up the midfield against Lincoln at the weekend and perhaps with the exception of the latter, few would question it. However, Dons have a wealth of options in the centre of the park. Lasse Sorensen, Ben Gladwin, Scott Fraser and Louis Thompson are all nearing full fitness again, with Gladwin and Fraser making cameos at Stadium MK on Saturday. Hiram Boateng could also be thrown into the mix, but his involvement is likely to be minimal at best, with the 24-year-old deemed surplus to requirements.

Solving the Dean Lewington/defensive connundrum

It might be an unpopular opinion, but Dean Lewington cannot play forever. Playing in a new position this season, the skipper has looked assured and come than comfortable sitting at the centre of a three-man centre-back partnership between Warren O'Hora and Baily Cargill. Like in the midfield, the defence is brimming with bodies and will leave Martin with a headache to satisfy everyone. George Williams and Richard Keogh are still to return to fitness and Matthew Sorinola is making all the right impressions during his substitute appearances at left wing-back. Who Martin opts to drop, move or rotate when he has his full compliment of players at his disposal will probably change on a game-by-game basis, but it may mean seeing Lewington - effectively an ever present since 2004 (Robbie Neilson era aside) - sitting out a few more games than he is used to this season.

Goals, and where they will come from

Five goals in four games isn't a terrible turnaround, it's not ideal either though, especially considering defenders have scored three of those goals. Rhys Healey's departure (we'll get to that...) has left a hole in the front line most notably on the scoring front. Carlton Morris, Joe Mason and Sam Nombe all have goals in them, but aren't the prolific type to net the 20-25 a season. Midfielders Sorensen and Fraser look capable of finding the net, while Dons' attacking defenders have also proven their eye for goals, with Regan Poole, Baily Cargill and Matthew Sorinola opening their accounts so far.

Where is that striker we keep hearing about?

Talk of a record-breaking deal has been rumbling on for several weeks now, but there has been no real smoke since. Chances are, their hunt will go right to the wire, waiting on other deals to be given the go-ahead elsewhere to free players up and so on and so forth. Deals aren't done overnight, signing the right player is more important than signing any player, there's plenty of time left etc etc, but seeing others do business only prompts more frustration among the fanbase whose anticipation is at fever pitch. Russell Martin has said not getting their targets in the position before the window will anger him, but patience will have to be a virtue in this hunt.