And so it begins - six chaotic weeks of a Premier League season unlike any other. It feels strange to write of yet another 'unprecedented campaign' after the turmoil caused by the pandemic, but once again we are approaching unknown territory. In this case, the uncharted waters are significant.
The next six weeks will define Everton's season. It is not just the 24 points and the spot in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup up for grabs. The nine games of this period will have a major say in Frank Lampard and director of football Kevin Thelwell's January transfer strategy, and set the tone for contract discussions over the several players whose deals run out next summer.
With all this in mind, it is difficult to overstate the importance of what happens between the trip to Southampton and the return to the south coast for the game with Bournemouth on November 12 - Everton's final league game until after the World Cup.
