OPINION: The Merseyside derby has rarely been more important
Liverpool and Everton have both enjoyed fruitful periods throughout the years, dominating domestically and competing abroad.
The Reds, particularly in recent history, have had more success than their neighbours across Stanley Park.
But all of that goes out of the window when the two sides of Merseyside clash on the pitch.
Both Liverpool and Everton are in a relatively dire run of form - mind, the latter will be feeling much better after their recent 1-0 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Jurgen Klopp's men sit in tenth place, deservedly so for their second-class rendition of mid-table football so far this season.
Liverpool desperately need a confidence boost ahead of the latter stages of their campaign, particularly before facing Real Madrid in the Champions League later this month.
Beating a lowly Everton could contribute to better feelings around Anfield in the long-term, especially after their (not so) shock 3-0 loss to Wolves.
The Blues, however, don't need to concern themselves with European competition this term - they do, though, need to think about their top flight status.
New manager Sean Dyche is tasked with keeping the Blues, slumped in 18th place, from the drop.
The former Burnley boss has 17 matches to turn the tide at Goodison Park and will be feeling confident after his debut in the dugout against the Gunners.
For Everton, at Anfield, avoiding defeat would be seen as a positive result and a continuation of their bright post-Lampard restart.
No doubt, there will be a lot of nervous feelings up and down the city of Liverpool.
Perhaps, both managers would take a draw right now if offered.
They'd not admit to that, though. Nor should they, to be fair. 'Mersey pride' is at the centre of this battle.
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Defeat for Everton wouldn't be a disaster - Anfield isn't a place they typically enjoy these days - but it would be yet another stumbling block in a stuttering season.
Though, with Dyche now at the helm, there is more positivity about the Blues and their chances of Premier League survival this season.
For Liverpool, however, defeat would possibly serve at the Reds' lowest point of an already dire season.
Failing to defend both the FA Cup and EFL Cup, compounded with a relatively embarrassing charge for the Premier League's European spots, has created an air of pessimism around Anfield.
Defeat to Everton, during their worst domestic season for a generation, would only sour the mood further.
This Merseyside derby is carrying a lot more weight than its predecessors in recent times - with Everton fans more than aware it has typically been a fairly easy three points for their rivals.
Though the rivalry has seen the sides clash at the top of the table and in London finals, this iteration is more about rebounding. And that makes it even bigger.