IT’S time for the final dress rehearsal – but how many of the plot’s key protagonists will be present in tonight’s friendly against Charlton Athletic?

While Neil Lennon’s side have steadily improved over the summer, winning two of their last three games, there are still some key plot points that need to be resolved before the big kick-off against Derby County in just eight days’ time.

Tuesday night’s victory over Port Vale gave a glimpse of the starting line-up we may be able to expect against the Rams; here we examine five areas still up for debate.

1- BUILD FROM THE BACK

Tim Ream is back in the Wanderers camp and, provided he is deemed fit enough after his international exertions for the US, is surely an automatic starter.

Lennon has been unable to start with a back three so far this summer but perhaps the American’s arrival will enable him to feature alongside Derik Osede and Dorian Dervite, and allow both Lawrie Wilson and Dean Moxey to push on as wing-backs?

Ream has spent the majority of the last two seasons playing as a full-back but Lennon is keen to see him play through the middle where both he and Derik can get on the ball.

The 3-5-2 system had its doubters last season but did allow for Josh Vela to be pushed on in midfield. Lennon should have enough options for that to happen regardless.

David Wheater’s return to fitness will surely see him challenge Dervite for a starting spot, and add an extra bit of physicality at the back. Likewise, Italian Francesco Pisano would be an option on the right side, if his move pans out.

2. MIDFIELD BALANCE

Wanderers’ problems seemed to stem from midfield at the start of last season, Dougie Freedman’s tactics accused at the time of being too pedestrian.

Since Lennon’s arrival he has sacrificed a little of the possession to go more direct but the Whites boss still has to strike the right blend in the middle.

If, as expected, the main width is offered by wing-backs, then Vela, Mark Davies and skipper Darren Pratley are the three you’d perhaps expect to see start against Derby.

Neil Danns has also seen plenty of game time this summer and was used in a defensive role last season, while Liam Trotter is another option through the middle.

Should Lennon stick with a back four and a four-man midfield diamond, then Danns would more than likely sit at the base.

3. ONE MAN OR TWO?

Gary Madine’s pre-season form should guarantee him a starting spot up front but who, if anyone, will play alongside him?

After Zach Clough picked up an injury in Austria, Liam Feeney has been used as Madine’s main strike partner. The mix of pace and power has proved effective.

Clough – if fit – would be a certain starter in most people’s eyes but his lack of football over the last few weeks makes him a big doubt for August 8. Max Clayton is also feeling his way back, and should be available for selection before the end of next month.

In Clough’s absence, Wanderers have unearthed a bargain in Stephen Dobbie. The experienced Scot has earned himself a contract with some intelligent pre-season displays, and he may well be used to relieve some of the pressure up front.

Madine’s relief man is likely to be Emile Heskey. At 37, the big man will be used more economically than he was last season, but is still capable of packing a punch.

4. COMEBACK KID?

Most Wanderers fans would love to see Jay Spearing back in a Wanderers shirt and showing the sort of form he did in his early days at the club.

He has shown up well in pre-season and looks intent on proving to Lennon he is worth a shot; in turn, the Whites boss insists he has not written off the former Liverpool man.

Spearing’s best chance of a route into the starting line-up looks to be at the base of a four-man midfield, where his organisational and defensive skills should be an asset.

Will he get that chance? Perhaps that theory will only be tested if another club comes in to try and sign him on loan?

5. BACK-UP MAN

Ben Amos will start as Wanderers’ number one keeper but the lack of senior options around him is a bit of a concern.

Bournemouth’s Lee Camp has been sounded out as an option, although his future at the Premier League club has not yet been sorted.

Ross Fitzsimons has done a decent job in pre-season, while Harry Campbell and Will Jasskelainen will be looking to develop in the Under-21s.