As every seasoned football observer knows, big games are often determined by the smallest of details.
And much is often read into any portents, any omens from history, be it recent or otherwise.
For example, Liverpool visit bitter North West rivals Manchester United on Sunday having won only two of their last 18 visits, losing 13 in that time.
But there's a reason Jurgen Klopp's side can have at least a smidgeon of extra encouragement.
Martin Atkinson has been announced as the referee for the meeting of the historic rivals.
And Liverpool's record with Atkinson officiating has been surprisingly good of late.
The Reds are unbeaten in the last 13 games in which the Dewsbury-born referee has whistled - including last December's 3-1 win over United at Anfield - a run stretching back to the 1-0 League Cup semi-final second leg defeat to Southampton in January 2017.
And you have to go back until March 2015 for the last time Atkinson oversaw a Liverpool defeat in the Premier League.
Admittedly, though, that was a 2-1 reverse against Manchester United at Anfield where Steven Gerrard was sent off. Earlier in the same season, Atkinson was the referee as the Reds lost 3-0 at United, his only previous time officiating the fixture at Old Trafford.
United can also point to the fact they've only lost twice in the last 13 games where Atkinson has officiated.
Not bad. But not quite the lucky charm Atkinson seems to be for Liverpool.
