As we get prepared for Liverpool to lock horns with Chelsea in the marquee Premier League meeting of the weekend in a few hours, let's take a closer look at what makes this fixture so important both now and in the future.
Here are three reasons why Liverpool beating Chelsea would be extra important.
1. An Arne Slot signature win
To date, things have been almost perfect under Slot as he has guided the Reds to the top of the table in England and a perfect record in the Champions League, all while playing a unique and attractive style of football.
However, outside of a big win over AC Milan, there have been no major wins yet for the Dutchman in charge. If he can steer Liverpool to three points in this one, it would go a long way to solidifying his credentials.
Chelsea are not the scattershot mess they were a season ago, they are a formidable opponent who will pose a very real threat on Sunday for Liverpool.
Any kind of win will do, but if we can get it done playing free-flowing football and do it somewhat impressively, that would be a huge warning shot to the rest of the title contenders this season.
Jürgen Klopp had a knack for getting his side's to raise their levels for these kinds of games so it will be vital for Slot to show he can do the same thing and it starts on Sunday against Chelsea.
2. A chance to slow a fellow Top 4 challenger
There are a handful of truly elite or elite-adjacent teams each season, so when those two meet there is extra emphasis put on the winning side, if there is one.
Being able to ensure one of your closest contenders drops points while you get the maximum is one of the best feelings in the sport. It's an ideal scenario and it could make the difference come May.
With Chelsea playing well coming into this, an impressive and commanding Liverpool victory could sow the seeds of doubt that maybe the Blues aren't all the way back just yet, which could potentially linger and see them drop points in the immediate aftermath.
The mental aspect of these big matches sometimes goes overlooked as the either the confidence from a great result or the disappointment from a loss go a long way with players.
A win would keep the good vibes going at Anfield and the machine will roll into the next marquee fixture. However, a loss on Sunday would raise a caution flag on the hot start so far under Slot.
3. It's always fun to beat Chelsea
Lastly, sometimes there are teams that you just get a little extra jolt of serotonin when the Reds beat them, and the lads from London are one of those teams.
The history of this rivalry goes back across all competitions and has featured some of the best players and managers to grace this sport and that still rings true today with the current iterations of each club.
Being able to put a halt to the perceived Blues revival would be a nice feather in the cap for Slot, the club and all us Liverpool supporters.
The way they have operated under new owner Todd Boehly is rather disconcerting and makes them very unlikable in the sense of they simply want to buy their way out of the problems they have. Putting them to the sword on the pitch would certainly be a cathartic experience for everyone involved.
So, no matter if it's preseason, the Champions League or on EA FC 25, Liverpool beating Chelsea will never get old, so let's make it happen again lads!