Cardiff City are yet to discover their best form this season, having lost both away games and narrowly coming out on top in their home tie against Luton Town thanks to a 96th-minute winner.

It's fair to say, with the season still in its infancy, there is a lot more to come from this Bluebirds squad, which has undergone something of an overhaul this summer.

While new signings are still bedding in, some familiar faces are consigned to the injury table – and the defence has certainly been cause for concern.

It means many positions are still up for grabs as Neil Warnock tries to find the right alchemy of defensive rigidity and attacking flair which he hopes can string together a succession of positive results.

So, after three games, this is where each member of Cardiff City's squad stands at the moment, with some having played a lot and others yet to bee seen.

Disappointments and outcasts

Lee Tomlin

Has been sidelined after being stricken with a bout of gastroenteritis. Was the subject of a long-running transfer saga throughout the summer, but he eventually stayed out. Sources close to the player insist he is determined to fight for his place this season but is yet to feature.

Gary Madine

Was given the nod by Warnock to lead the line on the opening day of the season, but fired another blank – that means the striker is yet to score in 20 games since his £6million arrival last year. Has been absent in each of the subsequent squads since that first game.

Gary Madine of Cardiff City

Jazz Richards

A player who has endured a torrid time with injuries during his Cardiff City career. He is still recuperating from an injury he picked up in pre-season and is unlikely to feature in the foreseeable future.

Joe Day

It would be foolish to write off a goalkeeper who quite clearly showed during his Newport days that he has the quality to play at this level. However, he conceded three goals in 34 minutes after replacing Neil Etheridge against Wigan and has since lost his place to Alex Smithies. Work to be done to get back up the pecking order before Etheridge returns to fitness.

Danny Ward

With five out-and-out strikers vying for a place in the starting line up, Ward is the only player without a minute under his belt to date. Omar Bogle's impressive pre-season and goal on the opening day appears to have knocked him down a spot in the rankings, too.

Leandro Bacuna

Endured a difficult afternoon against Reading on Sunday after being press-ganged into playing at right back. Also looked anonymous when shifted into midfield and Bluebirds will hope for an upsurge in his form.

Middle of the pack

Lee Peltier

A more defensive-minded right back but usually a calming presence on the field. His absence against the Royals was telling with neither Bacuna nor Curtis Nelson able to fill the void convincingly.

Gavin Whyte

Made his full debut against Luton and showed his work rate. On first look, perhaps he is not be blessed with the flair of others in this squad, but his pace and willingness to defend are much-needed qualities in the Championship. Will become a useful asset as the season wears on.

Gavin Whyte of Cardiff

Omar Bogle

Many would have written off Bogle's chances before this campaign began, but a glittering pre-season coupled with a goal against Wigan has seen his stock rise unexpectedly. Will hope to vie with Isaac Vassell for that second striker option.

Junior Hoilett

A seasoned campaigner at this level, will be used routinely on the wing as rotation when the fixtures start to pile up. Had a positive cameo against Luton and provided the assist for the winner.

Matthew Connolly

The departures of Bruno Manga and Greg Cunningham this summer places a greater importance on Connolly's return to fitness. He is currently recovering from an ankle operation he underwent during pre-season, but will provide much-needed cover across the back line when he returns in October.

Curtis Nelson

Looked fairly shaky on debut against Reading, but we can afford him some leeway given it was his first outing. Another who can cover a number of defensive positions, which will doubtless prove important throughout the campaign.

Curtis Nelson made his debut against Reading

Alex Smithies

Leaped ahead of Joe Day in the race to become Etheridge's back-up and looks set to stay between the sticks until the number one's return. Has let in four goals in two matches and has had some dicey handling moments, but saved a penalty well late on against Reading.

Will Vaulks

Still finding his feet in a Cardiff City shirt and was to blame for the Royals' first goal on Sunday on his full debut. Warnock will hope the Wales international gets up to speed quickly to keep that midfield ticking over.

Sean Morrison

As captain, his position looks relatively safe in the heart of defence. Has done little that has been glaringly wrong in the opening three games, but much has been made of the lack of pace between him and Aden Flint at centre back.

Callum Paterson

Another utility man, which always helps in this gruelling division. Worked hard against Luton and made a nuisance of himself in the air but was quiet against Reading. Expect his influence to grow throughout the season.

Callum Paterson's versatility will prove useful this term

The really important men this season

Marlon Pack

The midfielder, the manager has said, has gone some way to filling the sizeable void left by Aron Gunnarsson this summer. He has been a leader, combative and a calm head – he looks a real find. In the 113 minutes he has played, Cardiff have conceded only one goal, in the 157 minutes without him, they have conceded six. Make of that stat what you will.

Joe Bennett

A reliable attacking outlet for the Bluebirds, however he has been caught out defensively a couple of times. A classy operator, though, and will be hugely important throughout the season.

Neil Etheridge

One of the players in this Cardiff City squad who is of true Premier League quality. His loss, both in terms of leadership and ability with the gloves, is sizeable and his return in October cannot come quick enough.

Isaac Vassell

In his short Cardiff City career, he has certainly endeared himself to fans. Warnock spoke highly of Vassell and revealed he had pursued him for some years and was rewarded when he came off the bench to score the winner against Luton. A bright spark who could prove an important option both from the bench and from the off this season.

Isaac Vassell announced himself with a debut goal and could be an important player this season

Aden Flint

A player who has impressed at both ends of the pitch since joining from Middlesbrough. He was our star man in the defeat by Wigan and shone once again against Luton, scoring the opener as well as proving a colossus in defence. Was at fault for George Puscas's second on Sunday, however.

Sol Bamba

Our columnist Nathan Blake believed Bamba's presence will be missed if results start to turn and we are beginning to see that now. After shipping seven goals in the first three games, Bluebirds fans are desperate to see the Ivorian return to full fitness and back in the starting line up.

Robert Glatzel

In an ideal world, Glatzel would have hit the ground like a train and scored a clutch of goals in his first two appearances. That, unfortunately, has not been the case, but nevertheless he looks sharp and a sound addition. Forced a world-class save from Rafael in the second half against Reading on Sunday.

Robert Glatzel of Cardiff City shoots at goal

Joe Ralls

Ralls' influence on this team has increased tenfold since the departure of Bobby Reid. He is the principal creative outlet in midfield and needs to have a big season if Cardiff are to unpick defences and score the quantity of goals needed to propel them up the table.

Josh Murphy

Was arguably Cardiff's most exciting player against Luton – he ran their defence ragged but just couldn't finish. It was curious, then, that he was omitted from the team to face Reading, however Warnock will have had his eye on Huddersfield on Wednesday, a game they'll be desperate to win.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

He is a brute of a forward who, on his day, can terrorise defences – not many players can boast a brace against Manchester United on their CV. Another player you would expect to be first choice if fully fit. Warnock rates him highly and will hope he can fire this season.