Everton's quest for an ever-elusive turning point brings Lyon and Europa League football to Goodison Park on Thursday night. Even discounting domestic struggles for a moment, three points seem vital to prevent this European venture from ending before it has properly begun.
The visit of Lyon is also important in the wider context of returning to winning ways after failing to beat any of Apollon Limassol, Burnley or Brighton in the last three matches over all competitions. The visit of Arsenal on Sunday and a trip to Leicester are the next league fixtures with a visit to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup separating those matches.