Back in December, we were gearing up for another installment of the Merseyside Derby. Liverpool were flying while the Toffees were languishing.
As it were, the weather in Liverpool was not as understanding of the the magnitude of the this fixture as the rest of us are, as severe conditions forced a postponement of the event.
Since that time, the Reds have continued to elevate themselves under Arne Slot while Everton have not had much go right for them. At this current point, Liverpool have still played well enough to garner a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with this game in-hand.
Arsenal are the closest challengers at the moment, but a win for Slot's men on Wednesday would go a long way towards achieving several goals.
Shaking off the FA Cup frustration
One of the big reasons a win in this match would be important is to restore order around the club following the disastrous exit from the oldest domestic cup competition we can compete on Sunday to Plymouth Argyle.
Slot got his lineup wrong and the players that were selected did little to cover themselves in glory throughout a miserable 90+ minutes.
Sure, the like of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk never made the trip, but a shocking exit from a cup is something that can't be taken lightly.
I want to see this Reds side come out laser focused and firing on all cylinders to reestablish early dominance and ideally snag a goal or two. If they can do that, at least to some extent, it will go a long way towards reminding our foes just who we are.
Would provide much needed insurance
The Premier League table is one of the most fluid aspects of English football with it shifting almost on a weekly basis.
Any opportunity to create clear separation between yourself and the clubs below is hugely welcome. There are very few "gimme" matches in this league so every possible point is needed in the case of the inevitable slip somewhere along the line.
Were Liverpool to defeat Everton on Wednesday and go NINE points clear, it would be not only a tangible edge, but the other benefits are huge.
The mental side of this sport is often overlooked, but the positive vibes a nine-point gap in the table would provide could be essential coming into the most important run of the season.
This would also put a mental strain on the chasing pack as they would feel compelled to play perfect football over the next three months, which tends to lead to more errors, in a cruel twist of fate. If the Reds can keep their thumb on the pressure of the field with a big lead, it could actually add to their lead in a way through overexertion (injuries) and more.
Leave a lasting mark at Goodison Park
It's been well documented this will be the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison before the Toffees make the move their new gigs.
While as a whole, the Reds have dominated this rivalry, being able to close this Derby at Goodison with an emphatic victory would just be perfect.
In the last decade or so, this stadium has been a source of frustration in the Premier League for Liverpool with a measly record of: 2W-9D-1L. If you are a sports better, this might be a good chance to lay something on the Reds.
On paper, Liverpool are the superior side and they will have several huge stars fully rested ready to rip through a vulnerable Toffees defense.
Slot winning his first Merseyside Derby in the final one at Goodison Park would just be football poetry if you ask me. Let's get it done, lads!