Everton were the proverbial tale of two halves on Monday night against Leeds, although the second was good enough to produce a point after an ugly beginning to things.
And now Everton are as healthy as they've been all season, with the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Charly Alcaraz back from injury, while Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye have already started upon their return from winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
That means David Moyes has actual choices to make for how to set up his team, a fact that includes the added wrinkle based on how the manager opted to start the second half against Leeds. If nothing else, the return of all the players means that Moyes has options.
Jack Grealish's injury isn't ideal, but the team might have the players in attack to come to some sort of amalgamation of the England international. There might be work left to do before the transfer window closes, but those players wouldn't be available until next week, if there are additions at all.
So let's take a look at how Moyes could line up his side for Saturday's trip to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton & Hove Albion, as they look to do the double over the first side to ever play an away Premier League match at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton's projected starting XI v Brighton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Jordan Pickford (GK): Week after week, there's nothing to say here. Everton are lucky to have him.
Vitalii Mykolenko (LB): Should be able to lock in the defense on his side, even if he doesn't offer anything going forward. If the back-three does return, this has to be Adam Aznou.
Jarrad Branthwaite (CB): After an impressive first half against Leeds, I think Moyes gives him a start. Maybe he can only go an hour, or maybe he's all set. Either way, the faster he can get worked back into the side, the better.
Jake O'Brien (CB): Yes, the time has finally come for the club's best centerback pairing to team up. The Ireland international has been sensational in his natural position.
Nathan Patterson (RB): The Scotland international is sort of the reverse Mykolenko: less secure as a defender, more going forward, although even that is limited. Go buy a right back, Everton.
Midfielders
Idrissa Gana Gueye (CDM): Showed his versatility as a player in the switch in formations against Leeds. But he's still the club's best ball winner in midfield.
James Garner (CM): Keeps putting in great shift after great shift, as he eyes a chance to impress Thomas Tuchel during the March international break.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (CAM): Hopefully, this actually functions as more of a double central midfielder role, as KDH hasn't been as good in the no.10 as he has been as a deeper lying playmaker. Still one of the key players for the club, especially with Grealish out.
Forwards
Iliman Ndiaye (LW): Looked bright against Leeds, especially once the rest of the team improved around him. Will need to continue to add to his goal-scoring record now that he's back in the fold.
Tyler Dibling (RW): This is an attempt to manifest the teenager in this spot at this point.
Thierno Barry (CF): Now the club's leading goal scorer, his run needs to continue on Saturday (and beyond).