Everton usually make life tough for Liverpool when their neighbours cross Stanley Park, but Saturday's derby crunch will have a little extra spark about it.
This is the first time the Merseyside rivals have clashed since Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez's 'small club' jibe at the Goodison Park outfit, and Everton fans will be preparing a special welcome for the Spaniard.
Everton veteran Alan Stubbs has already stoked the fires by saying recently: 'We do not see ourselves as a small club, not at all.
'If they feel they are that much bigger than us, they should have been getting better results - like winning the league.
'When you spend that much money, £40-50million, you would expect to be closer than they have been. That is what Liverpool fans would say if you asked them. We beat them 3-0 last season, and you do not get a result like that by luck.'
And Stubbs believes Liverpool have no chance of ending their 17 years without the title this season, insisting Manchester United will win the Barclays Premier League again.
He said: 'I do think United will win it and Arsenal will be the serious challengers this year.'
Everton will be without striker Andrew Johnson, who has had an ankle operation and will be out for another three weeks.
Long-term injured trio Tim Cahill (broken metatarsal), Thomas Gravesen (knee) and James Vaughan (shoulder) have all been back in training this week but are unlikely to be in contention for the 206th derby battle.
Providing that none of Everton's internationals return from duty with their countries carrying injuries, they will field very much the side that did so well to win their UEFA Cup tie against Metalist Kharkiv in Ukraine.
Everton have also moved `home' this week, leaving their Bellefield training ground after 60 years and relocating to their new complex at Finch Farm, Halewood.
Stubbs said: 'There was so much history at Bellefield and I will miss it. I used to hang around at the gates for autographs as a kid, so it was surreal when I was stopped for mine.
'It is sad there will not be any more kids there but I understand the game has moved on an awful lot and the new facilities are fantastic.
'Bellefield was very limited in space. This new place has a yoga room, video room, hot and cold Jacuzzis, three physio rooms - everything that people think you need for the modern game.'
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, meanwhile, is calling for his players to keep their cool as they are pitched straight into the combustible atmosphere of a Merseyside derby on their return from the international break.
With many of the squad having been away with their countries in the last fortnight, a visit to their near neighbours across Stanley Park may be just what they need to get them up to speed in the Barclays Premier League.
However, one of the most fiercely-contested derbies in Britain often throws up its fair share of flashpoints and Benitez is keen for his side to maintain their focus.
Everton defender Stubbs stoked the fires this week by suggesting big clubs should be looking to win the league every year - a swipe at Benitez labelling the Toffees as a 'smaller' team after the previous derby in February.
And although Liverpool's last visit to Goodison Park ended in an embarrassing 3-0 defeat 13 months ago, the Reds boss stressed there were no thoughts of revenge.
'In these kind of games it is more important because everyone is talking about the rivalry between both teams,' he said.
'You must be as focused as always with maybe more determination. You must analyse the game with a cool mind because if you think about last year you will lose your concentration and it is important to make the right decisions.'
Asked whether Stubbs' comments would provide extra motivation, Benitez added: 'The majority of our players were away so I don't think they will have been reading the press.'
Striker Fernando Torres is making good progress with a thigh problem and could be included at Goodison Park.
The club's record signing injured an adductor muscle while on international duty with Spain last week but after intensive treatment was able to train on Wednesday and Thursday.
Midfielder Xabi Alonso is closer to making a return than Daniel Agger as both continue their comebacks from broken metatarsals while Dirk Kuyt's hamstring problem will be assessed ahead of the clash.
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