Everton face the daunting task of going to Premier League champions Manchester City on New Year’s Eve, looking to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat in all competitions.
Frank Lampard will be pondering whether to shuffle his pack at the Etihad Stadium and the Blues boss could face some big selection calls.
Back from World Cup duty with England, Jordan Pickford will be expected to retain his place in goal and while Nathan Patterson and Vitalii Mykolenko look likely to remain in the full-back berths, there could well be a change in the heart of defence.
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Yerry Mina came into the side against Wolverhampton Wanderers because on-loan Conor Coady was ineligible to play against his parent club but despite scoring, the Colombian - who has completed just 61 of 168 Premier League matches since signing - was forced off after 76 minutes.
The Everton manager hoped Mina’s latest issue was just “cramp” but regardless, he faces a battle to retain his place alongside James Tarkowski, with Coady available once more.
Lampard may decide to go with three centre-backs away to such gifted opponents though, which might give the former Barcelona defender a reprieve with attacking midfielder Alex Iwobi one of those whose place might be threatened by such a reshuffle, while Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana could be kept in for their more defensive outlooks.
On the wings, Dwight McNeil got the nod ahead of Demarai Gray against Wolves but despite providing the assist for Mina’s goal, made way early in the second half while Anthony Gordon spurned a big opportunity to put Everton back in front when picked out by Gueye, so there could be potential changes in the wide areas again.
Up front, Neal Maupay endured another difficult outing on Boxing Day but it remains to be seen whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin is fit enough to be considered for selection.
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