Everton will travel to face Tottenham Hotspur on Monday evening and Frank Lampard has some interesting decisions to make about his forward line particularly
Frank Lampard would probably welcome a new brand of selection headache at Everton.
In recent weeks the manager has acknowledged that his early decisions in terms of systems, formation and personnel are often heavily influenced by the current injury situation at the club.
Losing two important centre-backs to injury in the opening pair of games, having a three-player cup-tie for two games, being without impressive stars at the top end of the pitch - it certainly isn't plain sailing.
Isn't this just the story of the blues season?
But, there are signs that things are starting to turn mercifully on that front.
The important players in many positions are making a comeback in full fit and adding a lot of advantages to the team.
It is potentially no more prevalent than the situation ahead.
Demarai Gray missed his side's game against Boreham Wood with a fever but is expected to be available once again for a crucial trip to face Spurs on Monday evening.
Meanwhile Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also believed to be back in training over the weekend as he attempts to get fit for his trip to London.
He struggled with injuries during the season, missing the last two games with a slight joint problem.
So, now Lampard has options - arguably the first time since he has taken charge of the club.
With that come tough decisions.
First, the boss will need to decide which formation best suits the players he currently has at his disposal, so far using several different systems.
Against Man City, Everton used a 4-3-3 to great effect, especially in the first half - minimizing the visitors' threat from the middle of the pitch and managing to make their chances to win the ball over the pitch. .
It may be a bit more difficult to do away with home, but it's the same system that gave the Blues all three points last time they faced the Spurs on their own turf.
Starting the 2020/21 campaign in perfect fashion, Everton pulled off a 1–0 win against Tottenham, lined up in 4–3–3 style – with new signings Abdoulaye Doucoure and Alan Kylie in the center of the pitch. with.
goal scorer? Calvert-Lewin, with a huge header to speed up his best campaign for the club.
It is certainly likely that Lampard will want to use a similar system to deliver a similar result for his side on Monday night.
This clearly worked against Man City, with Donny van de Beek on the side expertly well.
While midfield options appear to be under wraps, injury permitting, there are potentially difficult decisions for Lampard to make further down the pitch.
An interview with Richarlison earlier this week suggested he considers his best position to be No. 9 and not on the flank.
So, do you bring Calvert-Lewin straight back into the setup and potentially disrupt the Brazilian? He may not have scored against Man City, but he was an important part of Everton's performance.
And there's also the return of Grey to consider.
If Richarlison were to be pushed off the flank in a 4-3-3 system, Calvert-Lewin regained her spot in the middle - is Summer in the front three with the signing pair?
Anthony Gordon has been arguably Everton's best and most consistent player in recent weeks, while Gray has a case for being the most influential person on the team throughout the campaign.
It is certainly not easy for a manager to make a decision.
Of course, he could use all four in the team - but that would probably mean leaving one out of three central midfielders who haven't worked well for the Blues in the past.