Manchester United fullback Patrice Evra accepts their clash at Chelsea could be decisive in the race for the Premiership.
While Evra may hold little affection for Chelsea as a club, some of the Blues players are among his best friends. Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba for a start.
And he has no hesitation in plumping for the Stamford Bridge outfit when asked who he regards as the biggest danger to the Red Devils hopes of landing an unprecedented fourth successive league championship.
"Every year I think Chelsea will be our main rivals," he said.
"I am not scared of them but I respect them and they are the most dangerous rivals. I said it last year and the year before and I think it this season as well."
And, just as Evra is clear in his mind who United's biggest danger will be, he is equally certain about their biggest dangermen. Those two familiar faces the French full-back knows so well.
"Both Drogba and Anelka are good friends of mine. And I know they are both great players," he said.
"All the defenders need to focus because keeping a clean sheet will be the key to winning this game.
"We need to be strong because Drogba and Anelka are two big strikers. They are both so quick and strong, although I do feel we have enough quality to do our jobs."