It's Liverpool v Everton tonight. And there's more than just pride at stake.
Admittedly, there is less jeopardy for Everton. A run of nine unbeaten Premier League games under returning manager David Moyes means they have moved 17 points clear of the relegation places. While not mathematically safe, the Blues are as good as.
Liverpool, though, have everything to play for. While widely regarded as the champions elect, the Reds got a little reminder last night that the title is not done and dusted just yet when Arsenal won 2-1 at home to Fulham to close the gap on the leaders to nine points.
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That gap will be extended back to 12 points should the Reds win what is their game in hand on the second-placed Gunners. But how do the pundits think the Merseyside derby will go?
Arne Slot's table-topping side will undoubtedly be favourites but Moyes' men showed how hard they can make it for their neighbours in February's reverse fixture, which finished 2-2 after an explosive injury-time equaliser from James Tarkowski.
Chris Sutton, writing for BBC Sport, believes Liverpool will win 2-0. The 1995 Premier League title winner with Blackburn Rovers said: "Liverpool have had a break since going out of the Champions League and losing the Carabao Cup final, and I don't think we will see them wobble here. Quite the opposite in fact, now their focus is just on the Premier League.
"The Reds also felt wronged by Everton's late equaliser at Goodison Park in February so there will be all of that bubbling under, and Arne Slot's side will feel they have a point to prove.
"They are going to put Everton under all sorts of pressure, but the Toffees will be well-organised defensively and have an eye on a counter-attack too.
"Everton boss David Moyes has transformed a team that was lacking belief, and he would love nothing more than to go to Anfield and get something.
"I am expecting a typical derby, in that I would not be surprised if this is another emotional game as well as an explosive one, with maybe a couple of players losing their heads.
"There will be plenty of drama along the way, but I am pretty sure Liverpool will be back to their best form and end up taking the three points."
Paul Merson, writing for Sportskeeda, also believes the Reds will run out 2-0 winners at Anfield. The Arsenal legend said: "I expect Everton to make it hard for Liverpool, but I look at them and I don’t see an X-factor that can hurt the hosts at Anfield. Liverpool have not consistently blown teams away this season. They have just been efficient and consistently better than the others.
"I don't want it to sound like Liverpool are not a good team or that they don't deserve to win the league. But they are not like the best Manchester City side that dominated the league under (Pep) Guardiola.
"Liverpool were looking a bit leggy before the international break, so the rest came at the right time for them. The Holy Grail for Liverpool is winning the league and I expect them to do it."
