Everton risk being drawn into a relegation scrap ahead of their home clash with high-flying Tottenham. The Toffees have established themselves as regular qualifiers for European competition in recent years but they have made a disappointing start to the new campaign.
David Moyes' plans have been thrown into turmoil by an injury curse that shows no sign of relenting, with three more players struck down in the midweek Europa League match against AEK Athens.
Everton did at least manage to claim a morale-boosting victory in a rain-soaked Greece as Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's early goal carried them through to the last 32.
They can now switch their focus to domestic matters and Moyes will be anxious to pick up another win as Everton are currently just two points clear of the drop zone.
Moyes will not be able to freshen up his side as much as he would like after three successive Premier League losses, with Jo, Sylvain Distin and Dan Gosling all doubtful after being forced off against AEK.
Leon Osman has a foot injury, while Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta and Phil Neville are among the long-term absentees.
John Heitinga is suspended after collecting a fifth yellow card of the season and those players still standing may again be asked to fill unfamiliar positions.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is convinced that his side can finish in the top four and they currently occupy fourth place after an impressive start to the season.
An under-strength Manchester United side knocked Spurs out of the Carling Cup in midweek and Redknapp will want to see a positive response.
Having made changes for the trip to Old Trafford, the manager is set to revert back to something like the line-up that drew 1-1 with Aston Villa last weekend.
Michael Dawson and Sebastien Bassong should form the central defensive partnership once again with Ledley King (hamstring) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin) both still missing.
Carlo Cudicini is facing a long spell out after injuring his wrists and pelvis in a motorcycling accident, although Luka Modric is closing in on a comeback following a fractured fibula.
Redknapp must decide whether to start with Peter Crouch or Robbie Keane alongside Jermain Defoe up front.
Everton: Rodwell, Agard, Nash, Jo, Aiyegbeni, Howard, Baines, Coleman, Duffy, Pienaar, Hibbert, Saha, Yobo, Cahill, Fellaini, Baxter, Neill, Bilyaletdinov
Tottenham Hotspur: Pavlyuchenko, Dawson, Bentley, Bassong, Keane, Alnwick, Hutton, Bale, Corluka, Huddlestone, Gomes, Assou-Ekotto, Defoe, Jenas, Crouch, Palacios,
Wah, this match... another "hot game" sooner of later a red card could be shown to someone...
ended 2-2 Final scor. Alot of yellow cards. Kudos for everton for their never say die spirit. Credit to Moyes.