Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he relishes the Goodison derby more than any other fixture because of the "bitterness and hatred" he experiences.
Gerrard is preparing for his last game at Goodison prior to his summer departure to LA Galaxy. He has enjoyed the vast majority of his derby experiences, and is hoping for a final flourish today (Saturday).
"I actually enjoy the Goodison derby more than the Anfield one because I can feel the hatred and feel the bitterness," said Gerrard.
"If I could pick one place to get a win it would be Goodison, but losing there is a nightmare, the worst feeling you can have as a player."
Gerrard decided to end his Liverpool career at the end of this season, turning down the offer of a new contract.
It was known how frustrated the Liverpool captain was with the delay in being offered a deal and he has now delivered a warning to the club about ongoing contract talks with key members of the squad, especially Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson. He thinks the wait has gone on too long.
"They need to sign him [Sterling] now," said Gerrard, in an interview with Sky Sports. "He knows what I want him to do. Not just him, Jordan Henderson as well.
"When I was coming through at Liverpool, every time you got within a couple of years left your contract would be renewed and there would be no worrying or panic. But I see Henderson with a year left and Sterling - it is in the paper too much - and there is no smoke without fire so, for me, the message to the club is to get these done sharpish because these are the future and I want to watch this team do well in finals and challenging for the league."
Liverpool have taken a more relaxed approach on contract extensions this season, believing there is no logic in automatically extending deals when a player still has two years to go on an existing arrangement.
Although the two-year remaining mark has been seen as the time to renew in the past - and remains so at other clubs - it is clear that Fenway Sports Group views each case on its merits, calculating that the majority of its young players want to stay at Anfield and will be rewarded when the time is right. That is what has happened this season with Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho.
Sterling's representatives are in the midst of negotiations and Henderson - who was promoted to the position of vice-captain earlier in the season - is also expected to pen fresh terms.
Gerrard obviously sees it from the players' point of view as they always welcome the feeling of security as soon as possible, and he knows how rival clubs can pounce on any uncertainty.
"Those players, Sterling, Henderson - Coutinho and Sturridge who just signed up - they are the ones who are going to deliver so it's vital they get them done before it is too late," warned Gerrard.