Everton will look to avoid futher negative outcomes at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night, a new ground that hasn't been the most pleasant for the home side after a decent start to the new season.
On top of that, the Blues will be trying to eschew a dubious double loss campaign against recently promoted Leeds United, after a dodgy opening weekend penalty call led to a 1-0 loss at Elland Road for the Toffees.
There's an outside chance that a few injured players could be back in the matchday squad, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Charly Alcaraz, Seamus Coleman, and Jarrad Branthwaite back in training. David Moyes hasn't said whether any of them will feature as of yet.
The club will also welcome back Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye, who helped Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations trophy last Sunday.
While those additions would be useful, it's likely that Everton will be without Jack Grealish for an extended period, as a stress fracture was found in his foot, and will likely keep him out for a while.
It feels like the injured players still won't be ready to start, so the selection difficulties will likely continue for at least one more match.
With that in mind, let's take a look at how Moyes might line up his side for Monday night football against Leeds.
Everton's projected starting XI vs Leeds United (4-3-2-1)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Jordan Pickford (GK): No questions here. Pickford is undisputed for both club and country.
Vitalii Mykolenko (LB): It would be great to see Adam Aznou get a deserved start, but there's little reason to believe Moyes trusts him defensively.
James Tarkowski (CB): The veteran defender might be in danger of losing his spot once Branthwaite returns, but that's not happening now.
Jake O'Brien (CB): This pairing has been solid since Michael Keane's dubious red card against Sunderland, so much so that Moyes will need to consider a reshuffling when Branthwaite is ready.
Nathan Patterson (RB): The Scotland international has done a job when called upon lately, although his Everton future is still in question.
Midfielders
Idrissa Gana Gueye (CDM): There's little reason to believe that Gana, who played most of the minutes available while away at AFCON, won't slide right back into the starting XI. To be fair, he hasn't been the most missed of the Senegalese pair.
James Garner (CM): Fresh off his new contract, the midfielder should be no doubt to retain his spot.
Merlin Röhl (CAM): This is not really his best position, but Röhl is coming off his best start as an Everton player, which means he'll likely stay in the XI until Dewsbury-Hall is fit.
Forwards
Iliman Ndiaye (LW): With Grealish out, Ndiaye will likely be able to slide back to his preferred left side. There are ways for Moyes to mix and match here, but this is the most straightforward option.
Tyler Dibling (RW): I feel the least sure about this option, as Moyes can't seem to quit Dwight McNeil on the right (or starting somewhere). But Dibling needs the minutes if he's ever going to build that Premier League experience.
Thierno Barry (CF): With news of Beto possibly leaving before the January window closes, this is Barry's spot, and probably is either way.