Having opted to replace Chris Hughton with Graham Potter last summer, Brighton & Hove Albion were heading into the unknown at the start of this season.
While there have been promising moments under a manager who wants his team to play in a certain style, the Seagulls have work to do in order to remain in the Premier League.
However, Potter and the club's board view their partnership as long term - a suggestion that the head coach will stay in his position regardless of the team's fate at the end of the campaign.
Below, Sports Mole takes a look at how Brighton may line up heading into the following season.
Although Potter has mixed up his strategy in defence, using a three-man backline appears to make sense given the options at his disposal.
Adam Webster, Lewis Dunk and Dan Burn are the preferred trio, with Shane Duffy on hand to provide solid backup should Potter opt for a change in personnel.
That would also favour Tariq Lamptey, the former Chelsea youngster who appears a better fit at right wing-back due to his pace than at right-back due to his size.
The next conundrum would be how to construct a midfield which has plenty of alternative options, with Argentina international Alexis Mac Allister now available for selection.
Should the playmaker be used as the most advanced of a midfield three, Yves Bissouma and Aaron Mooy could form a more defensively-minded partnership behind him.
Ideally, Potter would prefer to deploy Leandro Trossard in a wide position, but using the Belgium off Neal Maupay would provide Potter with some flexibility.
If Trossard is not used in a front two alongside Maupay, he could be used in tandem with Mac Allister in supportive roles behind the main frontman.
Darren Plant
