In-form attacker Philippe Coutinho believes the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is "one of the world's greatest fixtures."
The two rivals meet on Sunday afternoon knowing that victory would give either side a huge initiative in the top-four race, with just top-flight fixtures remaining afterwards.
Coutinho, who has started to find his best form in recent weeks after a poor start to the season, told the club's official website ahead of the game: "It’s a really important game for us, and a tough one.
"They’re a good team with great history and I know this is a massive derby.
"Both teams are fighting for the same thing in the Premier League. It’s going to be a critical game and one we would call a ‘six-pointer game’ in Brazil.
"I’ve always watched these big matches on television. The entire world knows how big a fixture this is. It’s a first-class clash and one we enjoy playing a part in.
"I’m sure it’ll be a hard-fought derby and I hope we can be the winners. No fan wants to lose this game, which I see as one of the world’s greatest fixtures."
The Reds have not tasted defeat in the Barclays Premier League since crashing to a humiliating 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford back in December, going on a 13-game unbeaten run since.
Reflecting back on that afternoon, Coutinho said: "At that moment, unfortunately, we were not delivering the level of performance we wanted on the pitch.
"We’ve been doing everything the manager asks us to do on the pitch. We’ve been able to play both with and without ball possession and have managed to improve our marking and pressing the opposition.
"That is probably one of the main differences in the second half of the season, and one which has been handy for us to raise our game."
But the mood in the camp has since changed, now that Liverpool have utilised a 3-4-3 formation that has added defensive solidity to a dangerous front three, and the Brazilian insists they will be prepared for the crucial clash.
"Everyone is feeling content and we are focused on our preparation," Coutinho said.
"There are still quite a few games to be played and we need to be winning as many as possible to achieve our objective.
"All remaining matches have to be treated equally as they’ll be decisive for our season. We want to be in the top four and qualify for the Champions League next season.
"We know we will stand a good chance if we win this vital game.
"It’s always a hard-fought encounter for the great players both clubs have and for their history. It’s a crucial game for us and everybody is looking forward to it."