Everton may not be in action for another ten days, but their starting XI for that trip to AFC Bournemouth is still one which will command great scrutiny.
After all, Sean Dyche has often been questioned for not only his team selections but also his subsequent substitutes.
Travelling to the Vitality Stadium has fast become one of the Premier League’s most awkward fixtures under Andoni Iraola, and it will pose an interesting threat for the Toffees to navigate.
However, with the right tactics and some wise personnel choices, they have every chance of claiming a result.
Predicted Everton XI vs AFC Bournemouth
We are predicting Everton to make three changes from the side that fell to defeat at Old Trafford, despite a spirited display against Manchester United.
Jordan Pickford, however, will not be one of them.
Set to be reinvigorated off the back of an international break where he will face Brazil and Belgium, the former Sunderland man will also be joined by an Everton teammate for the first time in what feels like ages.
Jarrad Branthwaite earned his first senior call-up to the England squad, and should also return buoyed by such an experience. He will continue to start beside James Tarkowski.
They will be flanked by Vitaliy Mykolenko and Seamus Coleman, with the latter finally putting an end to Ben Godfrey’s spell at right-back.
The midfield is unlikely to be altered either, with James Garner and Amadou Onana providing the foundation for Abdoulaye Doucoure to hopefully recapture his form.
This trio will be crucial in ensuring the Cherries do not dominate the engine room, and in turn the match.
Although their trip to Portugal will have provided a welcome break for many players, the bulk of whom had started to exhibit their tiredness in recent weeks, perhaps Dyche might still benefit from dropping Jack Harrison for Arnaut Danjuma.
That is, should the Dutchman be passed fit, having actually not travelled with the squad on their break in an effort to fully focus on his recovery.
He will be joined by the ever-present Dwight McNeil, who will both look to supply the striker.
This position is one that has come under intense scrutiny this campaign, with the Toffees unquestionably the most profligate side in the division.
As such, both Beto and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have suffered.
However, although the former did find the net in their recent home loss to West Ham United, a return to the 27-year-old Englishman could provide that injection of confidence needed after a welcome break.
The £30m marksman does offer far more impact from the bench too due to his chaotic nature.
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