With Premier League football now on hold for the next six weeks, all eyes turn to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.
Everton fans may welcome a rest from the rigours of club football after Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Bournemouth left them just one point and one place above the relegation zone. Frank Lampard's side have now gone three full league games without scoring and will spend Christmas Day in a perilous position.
The Blues boss has been clear in his demand for more attacking threat after the break, and will likely dip into the January market to add such quality - late summer bids for Mohammed Kudus and Mykhaylo Mudryk are proof of the calibre of player he wants. And while mid-season is undoubtedly a ridiculous time to squeeze in a major international tournament, it will give Lampard and his staff an opportunity to scout fresh talent ahead of the transfer window.
