Never can so few have felt like so many for Liverpool.
When the fixture list drops during the summer, no Reds supporter would eagerly be seeking out the visit of Sheffield United and circling it with anticipation.
But the October 24 clash against the Blades at Anfield has become arguably the most important home Premier League game of the campaign.
With Liverpool having confirmed the match has been earmarked for the first return of supporters inside the stadium in more than six months, the encounter will represent a welcome tentative step towards normality.
It concurs with Government guidelines for the phased return of supporters inside sports stadiums, many of which will be opening their doors again next month.
Not since the Champions League round of 16 second leg defeat to Atletico Madrid have fans been allowed inside Anfield, having been told to stay away from the remaining games of last season against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Burnley and Chelsea after lockdown was eased.
They will again remain missing for the Premier League opener against Leeds United on Saturday week and the visit of Arsenal, with as many as two home League Cup ties also possible.
The first Champions League group game is scheduled to take place a few days before the Sheffield United match and, if Liverpool are drawn at home, could instead become the first with fans.
The ECHO understands around Liverpool are planning to allow in around 12,500 supporters - just under 25% of Anfield's capacity - with all four sides of the stadium being utilised.
Not since the ridiculous 4-4 League Cup draw with Chesterfield in September 1993 will Anfield have seen such a low attendance for a competitive Reds match, when just 12,533 hardy souls turned up.
Liverpool's lowest Premier League crowd came in December 1993, when appalling conditions prompted thousands of fans to stay at home as 24,561 braved the elements to watch the Reds beat Queens Park Rangers 3-2.
There's no doubt Liverpool are among teams who feed most off the emotion and backing of a support that can also intimidate opponents.
That has been sorely missed and, as a privileged regular at behind-closed-doors matches in recent months, even a quarter-full stadium will make an enormous difference, both in terms of atmosphere and the psychological impact on Jurgen Klopp's players.
While Liverpool have not yet decided how best to determine who has access to tickets - season ticket sales have, quite rightly, been suspended for the campaign - Government advice on unnecessary long-distance travel would appear to suggest local supporters should be given priority.
Such a move would ensure an already surely boisterous atmosphere would be given another edge as Liverpool look to retain the Premier League crown.
However, the Sheffield United clash may not be the first Premier League game on Merseyside with fans present this coming season.
With other clubs planning for the return of supporters, Everton will also have the opportunity to open their doors for their first home match after the early October international break.
The opponents? Liverpool.
If there was only cautious excitement at the start of a surreal new campaign, that Reds fans will soon be allowed back inside Anfield has significantly ramped up expectation.
The return of the fabled 12th man, albeit in diluted form, should be regarded as being just like a new signing.
Because, for Liverpool above most other clubs, it truly is.
