Whatever happens between now and Everton's next game on Saturday, the starting line up will look considerably different to the one selected against Chelsea.
The injuries suffered by Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina were two cruel blows that continue the club's centre back struggles from last season into the new campaign. Both are set for a sustained period on the sidelines, meaning two of the three starting centre backs will be unavailable for the trip to Aston Villa.
Salomon Rondon, the only recognised first team striker who is fit, will also be in contention for a start after suspension ruled him out of the season opener. Another significant difference could come in the shape of transfers, however, with the Blues landing one player and edging closer to two more.
READ MORE: Conor Coady completes loan transfer to Everton from Wolves
READ MORE: Everton financial stance explained as £33.5m Amadou Onana deal nears
Conor Coady, captain at Wolverhampton Wanderers over recent years, was confirmed as an Everton player on Monday. The centre back did not play in his club's first game of the season and a change in tactics by manager Bruno Lage left him outside his first team plans. The 29-year-old specialises in a three man central defensive triumvirate, which Frank Lampard looks set to persist with this season.
His arrival on loan would likely see him slot into Mina's place at the heart of the back of three. James Tarkowski and one of Michael Keane and Mason Holgate - who replaced Godfrey against Chelsea - could also step in as Seamus Coleman continues his recovery from surgery.
Everton could boast two new additions in central midfield by the time they face Villa. Amadou Onana posed for pictures with Blues fans after watching the Chelsea game from the directors' box as the Blues look poised to confirm his signing from Lille. The deal, worth in excess of £30m, would add the 20-year-old to Lampard's midfield options.
Onana may be given time to adjust to life in the Premier League and that would be easier for Lampard if efforts to bring Idrissa Gueye back to Everton lead to the completion of a move in the coming days. Should both play it would be interesting to see whether Lampard opts for three in central midfield with Abdoulaye Doucoure or Alex Iwobi - again impressive as Lampard took advantage of his versatility on Saturday - alongside them, or whether he would keep two in that position and play two from Anthony Gordon, Alex Iwobi, Demarai Gray, Dele Alli and Dwight McNeil off Rondon - should Rondon himself get a start.
The injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin has made strengthening Everton's forward options vital and work to do that is ongoing - meaning what is expected to be a busy week at Goodison Park could potentially get even busier ahead of the game with Villa.
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