Three-time Lions tourist Matt Dawson has named the two players he believes are nailed on to start this summer's Test series in South Africa.
Former England scrum-half Dawson, who was a crucial part of the last side to win a series out in South Africa in 1997, believes the level of competition in the squad makes picking a Test XV just under a month out from the first clash with the Springboks a near-impossible task.
However, he does believe that there are two players - Taulupe Faletau and Tom Curry - who he thinks Gatland has to find a space for in his starting side.
"It's not that I don't want to pick a XV, but I'm far too pragmatic," Dawson told WalesOnline.
"I know that whatever team we think it's going to be with form, the coaches' selection and a host of other circumstances, the team is going to be nothing like we expect.
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"Right now, yes there might be half a dozen players who we think are going to be in, no problem, but we're going to see bolters come out of the blue, players playing out of position because they need to be in the team and they fit the style of rugby Gats is playing, injuries and players flying out who end up in the Test team.
"It's a great squad and every single position is really competitive. You can argue for every position. Full-backs, wings, centres - you can definitely argue the case for every player there. Fly-half and scrum-half is definitely the case too.
"Number 8? Maybe that's a position where I think Taulupe Faletau is your man. Tom Curry has to be in your team.
"I want to say Alun Wyn Jones as captain but we all know how competitive second-row is. I couldn't say honestly with my hand on my heart he'll be in.
"And that's probably it. Two players I've given you where I think, no matter what, they've got to be in the team. That's not being negative to the other 13 who are selected. It's how competitive I think the squad is.
"What is also important on top of that is the mentality of the players. Having credit in the bank with Gats in a Lions jersey is going to really stand you in good stead.
"You might well be knocking it out of the park with your country, but playing for the Lions is a very different kettle of fish.
"Gats knows what Test match animals he needs and you can quite easily prove your a Test match animal by the way you train, socialise and conduct yourself in front of other players as well as the public and opposition.
"If you get the Lions and understand that spirit and camaraderie that is trying to be brought around the team, you'll go a long way."
And of course, there is always the chance of a surprise from outside of the squad - with a number of talented stars touted to be on Gatland's standby list.
"I was never going to be a starter in 1997 and got it through injury," added Dawson.
"I can't see any of that squad where I think they're set for a bit of midweek madness and keeping their fingers crossed. I can't see it in the way that the Lions is picked.
"There might be a Martin Corry in 2001 scenario, where he gets flown in and breaks into the Test team. But the players there all have the quality to be Lions."
One of the positions that is hardest to predict is Dawson's former role.
Having started the 1997 tour behind Rob Howley and Austin Healey, Dawson went on to play a starting role in the series win over the Boks - scoring a crucial try in the first Test.
So if anyone's well-placed to speak on the current scrum-half position, it's Dawson.
"I wouldn't say there's any one standout there," admitted Dawson, who toured in 1997, 2001 and 2005.
"In 2017, it was Conor Murray all day long. 2013 and 2009, you had Mike Phillips. In 2005, it was Dwayne Peel and it was Rob Howley in 2001.
"It's pretty much always been fairly obvious who the scrum-half was going to be and this is the first tour in a while where it's not and selection is going to be really key.
"I think credit in the bank for Conor Murray will give him the nod. But in the same breath, you've got Gareth Davies who Gats knows very well and is a gamebreaker. Of the three of them, he's probably the main gamebreaker.
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"Ali Price is a nice player, very busy and will keep the opposition honest.
"If Murray can get back to being a bit more of a threat himself, I think the jersey is his. At the moment, he's managing the game really well but is less likely to make those breaks - I think because of his physical stature and the injuries he's had.
"If he is in tip-top form and confident about his physical presence, and then he starts threatening around the fringes, I can't see anyone getting close to him.
"As it is though, I'd probably say the battle is between Conor and Gareth."
Matt Dawson is celebrating The Spirit of Rugby as a brand ambassador for The Famous Grouse, the Official Whisky Sponsor of The British & Irish Lions and the Springboks. The campaign seeks to celebrate the unique sportsmanship and camaraderie which makes the sport of rugby so great for both players and fans. For further information or to join the conversation, please visit @TheFamousGrouseUK on social media
