Saw them in the cup games as they are the only chance I have had to see them playing 'proper' football, as the under 23 league is truly pointless.
I have seen our defence in every game this season...
A couple of things
a) Defence, DM has been very open in admitting that there has been very little time for coaching with the schedule to date, obviously the international break will have helped here (I don't think any of our defenders will have been away with national squads)
b) U23 league is the only option available apart from bench warming, which (in my view) cannot help players develop, I agree its far from ideal, but its all there is. (The midland clubs should bring back the central league, for younger members benefit, this was a "reserve league" which was very useful for bringing kids on and getting injured players match fit and being a midlands based league there was usually a bit of competitiveness about it)
c) I firmly believe that DM is being pragmatic in using the squad he has in the most suitable formation he can, if he had different players available I feel sure he would change it around, and its very hard to argue that it isn't working.