Barry Johnston believes former club Cliftonville should "go for the jugular" when they travel to Larne on Saturday.
The top two in the Premiership collide at Inver Park in the latest massive fixture in this season's title race.
They are also locked on points, but Larne do have the advantage of holding a game in hand over their nearest rivals.
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Former Reds midfielder Johnston, who won back-to-back titles with the North Belfast club, says Saturday is the "biggest game of the season" for Paddy McLaughlin's men.
He told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast: "The most disappointing game of Cliftonville's season last year was against Larne, when they were going for the title.
"They should have gone for the jugular but they played it too safe. They played not to lose.
"I think this will be completely different. It is like a cup final.
"If Larne win then Cliftonville will be three points behind, so what have they got to lose? There aren't that many games to go, and everyone in the top six has to play each other.
"This is the biggest game of the season if you're a Cliftonville fan. I know last week was massive against Linfield, but if you win this you're right in the mix.
"And if you win all your remaining games then you're champions. That's what it should mean to Cliftonville.
"It is a massive test because Larne are a proper Irish League team now. They are less pragmatic, and they now have a player like Leroy Millar in their team.
"They are the real deal, but so are Cliftonville, Linfield, Glentoran, Crusaders...
"So this game is a massive game for both teams."
The last time the sides met at Inver Park was back in October when Larne ran out comfortable 4-0 winners.
Cliftonville's teen star Sean Moore was sent off that night, but Johnston can't see lightning striking twice.
"I don't think that result will have left many scars," he added.
"Sean Moore is different now to when he last went to Inver. He was superb in the game after that at Solitude.
"Tomas Cosgrove will have to be on it on Saturday. He will have to have his defensive head on against Sean Moore, and he will.
"Larne's approach will be different with Sean Moore on the pitch. It promises to be some game."
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