Liverpool hero Didi Hamann believes defeat to Everton could send his old club into the relegation battle.
The ex-German international, now a player-coach at MK Dons, says today's clash is the biggest meeting between the clubs in years.
"It is a massive game because whoever loses will be dragged further towards the bottom of the table," said Hamann.
"It used to be unthinkable that Liverpool or Everton could be relegated, but at this stage of the season it would be easy for either club to find themselves fighting for their lives.
"It is probably the biggest derby I can remember. It used to be that games between Liverpool and Everton would decide league titles and cup finals. That has changed this season. It hasn't been a good campaign for either club.
"And how many times has the phrase 'too good to go down' been used for a team that ends up being relegated?"
