Goodison Park under the lights, a returning 'villain' and hazy memories of a 99th-minute winner in this fixture last season - Everton's clash against Newcastle United on Thursday has a weight of significance about it.
Throw in potential Champions League connotations for the visitors and possible Premier League peril for the hosts, it's set to be an almighty occasion.
It's also a huge stage upon Sean Dyche will need to take the right steps. In the previous three Everton outings, it would not be unfair to suggest mistakes - playing a high line against Manchester United's rapid attack, using diminutive Neal Maupay as a target man against Fulham and leaving walking red card Mason Holgate on the field against Crystal Palace - have been made.
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They're errors that have left Everton in a treacherous position going into a crucial week, albeit not one which is irretrievable. Yet.
Against Newcastle, the manager should be able to call upon an XI close to that which started against Arsenal in his first game in charge. One that went on to deliver a stirring performance and victory.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has seemingly come through the Crystal Palace clash unscathed - touch wood and then cross your fingers with me *now* - meaning he should be available to lead the line again. Without being fantastic, the physicality of the England forward immediately gives a team that plays exclusively direct football a focal point.
In midfield too, there should be some welcome returns. Abdoulaye Doucoure has had three games to stew on being played by Harry Kane, while Amadou Onana was close to a comeback at the weekend and should be available for the midweek meeting. Those two add a presence, purpose and in the case of Doucoure, a productivity in front of goal that has been lacking.
That bolstered midfield trio - assuming the aforementioned pair feature alongside Idrissa Gueye - means Demarai Gray and James Garner drop out, with the industry of Alex Iwobi and Dwight McNeil likely to be preferred on the flanks.
And at the back? Right-back still feels like a big problem without Seamus Coleman and Dyche's reluctance to use Nathan Patterson has been puzzling. Nevertheless, it feels like the Scotsman's turn to take on what has become a problem position for the Blues without their skipper. That being said, if Coleman is fit he plays.
In goal, it'll be Jordan Pickford of course.
He will need to be prepared for the not-at-all peculiar abuse that comes his way from the travelling Geordies - yes, it is the inflatable dinosaurs game again.
The England international has been largely excellent again this season, but his urge to silence Sunderland's mortal enemy has come back to bite him on numerous occasions in this fixture previously. Hopefully the matured Mackem has left those mad moments behind him.
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