Two sides both looking to continue their recent good form come head-to-head, when Liverpool take on Sunderland at Anfield on Saturday.
A Jermain Defoe and Victor Anichebe inspired Sunderland have recorded back-to-back wins in the Premier League, but will the forward pairing be able to fire their team to a famous win against Jurgen Klopp'stitle challenging Reds?
Classic Encounter
A significant match in the history of this fixture for many reasons.
Thousands offans walked out of Anfield in a protest at ticket prices, and the demonstration clearly affected Liverpool as the sidethrew away a two goal lead.
Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana gave the Reds a comfy advantage, but just five minutes after the walkout Adam Johnson pulled one back for the Black Cats in what would be his last match for Sunderlandbefore Jermain Defoe equalised in the 89th minute.
Liverpool have since scrapped their £77 ticket.
Key Battles
Joel Matip vs Victor Anichebe
Anichebe has never been considered as a prolific goalscorer during his time in the Premier League, but the 28-year-old is currently one of the in-form strikers in England's top division, having scored three goals in his past two games.
While many Liverpool fans were sceptical over the signing of Joel Matip in the summer, the towering centre back has proved to be an excellent foil for Dejan Lovren.
While Liverpool's defence has come in for scrutiny this season, Matip has impressed, delivering consistent performers in an otherwise inconsistent defence.
Not many forwards will offer more of a physical challenge than Anichebe, and while the former Everton and West Brom may not be the most prolific, he will pose one of the most intriguing battles in the match up.
Philippe Coutinho vs Didier N'Dong
Liverpool's creator-in-chief, Coutinho has been deadly so far this season. With five goals and five assists in the Premier League so far this season, the Brazilian has undoubtedly been one of the standout players this year.
His attacking teammates Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are arguably seen as the more clinical attacking threats, but Sunderland's defence and midfield must not allow Coutinho the time and space to be able to dictate the flow of the game.
As Sunderland's most expensive signing ever, defensive midfielder N'Dong will be vital in attempting to break up Liverpool's attack. With the Reds' defence susceptible to leaking a goal or two, if N'Dong and his midfield counterparts can keep David Moyes side in the game, then they could grab an unprecedented point or three.
Team News
Adam Lallana is still not training with the team and has been ruled out of the weekend's game, so Georginio Wijnaldum will continue in midfield. Danny Ings is a long-term absentee, while peripheral playersSheyi Ojo and Joe Gomez are doubts.
� The best bits from Jürgen Klopp's media briefing today in 6⃣0⃣ seconds! pic.twitter.com/FajKlURKCb
Sunderland will be without Paddy McNair, Fabio Borini and Lee Cattermole through injury, while Papy Dijilobodji is suspended. Jan Kirchhoff, Sebastian Larsson, Vito Mannone, Jack Rodwell and Jason Denayer are all doubtful.
VIDEO: Watch David Moyes' full pre-Liverpool press conference here - https://t.co/ziG3HQqsOE pic.twitter.com/0LJQVDxIMQ
Predicted Liverpool XI: Karius, Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Milner, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Can, Mane, Firmino, Coutinho
Predicted Sunderland XI: Pickford, Jones, Kone, O'Shea, Van Aanholt, N'Dong, Kirchhoff, Watmore, Januzaj, Anichebe, Defoe
Prediction
Liverpool came through the international break unscathed, and even though they couldn't finish off any oftheir multitude of chances last week against Southampton, you'd have to be either very foolish or very brave to back against a Liverpool win at the weekend.
That said, Liverpool will come up against an in-form forwardpairing in Defoe and Anichebe, and the Reds need to be wary of the potential damage the duo can do. Expect a Liverpool win, but a strike from either of the striker's wouldn't be shocking.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Sunderland