Another defeat is set to be followed by another week of frantic transfer speculation for Everton.
The loss at Villa Park on Saturday made it back-to-back setbacks to start the Premier League season, with the lack of a functioning focal point making it tough going for the Toffees in attack for long spells.
One of those forwards, Anthony Gordon, is now reportedly subject of serious interest from Chelsea, with reports of a £40 million bid emerging on Sunday night. Given Everton already desperately need to replenish their firepower, selling the 21-year-old England international would give the club a lot of work to do before the transfer window closes.
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But focus must remain on Nottingham Forest on Saturday, as it feels imperative that Everton get their first win of the season notched against the newly-promoted outfit.
Here is how all areas of Everton's side are shaping up ahead of that showdown at Goodison Park.
Defence
As much as conceding two goals was disappointing for the Toffees, both stemmed from some sloppy midfield play rather than the new-look backline.
Overall, the back five worked well, especially when Vitalii Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson were given license to push forward in the second half from wing-back. Infield, Conor Coady had a decent debut, while James Tarkowski continues to look like solid business.
Mason Holgate was arguably the standout of the three centre-backs, with the spot on the right of a three bringing the best out of him.
All things considered, barring a change of system it's difficult to see Lampard making many personnel shifts at the back.
Midfield
With Abdoulaye Doucoure going off injured against Villa, midfield feels like a bit of a minefield.
Alex Iwobi is a guaranteed starter and has excelled playing at the hub of the team. But surrounding him the Blues are struggling for options.
Allan missed the game on Saturday with an injury, while Andre Gomes and Jean-Philippe Gbamin remain out of contention. Amadou Onana gave some exciting glimpses into his talent when he came on, although his willingness to surge forward may not make him an ideal partner for Iwobi.
It means Tom Davies may be in the frame for more minutes after a decent showing on Saturday. That is, of course, unless Everton find a way to put an end to what is becoming a frustrating pursuit of Idrissa Gueye.
Attack
At this point, who knows?
Anthony Gordon has been subject to reported serious interest from Chelsea, casting doubts over whether he'll be involved - or even an Everton player - come the weekend.
Elsewhere, Dwight McNeil has toiled in his first two outings for the club and may be better use from the bench against Forest. However, neither Demarai Gray nor Dele Alli have fared much better, leaving Everton in a difficult situation when it comes to the final third.
Salomon Rondon, although limited, did give Everton a presence up top at least when he came on and barring the addition of a striker this week, the Venezuelan will surely start on Saturday.
But the Villa performance and the interest in Gordon has only reinforced that Everton have a huge amount of work to do in the transfer window to improve this facet of the squad. Strap yourselves in.
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