Liverpool's title destiny may still be out of their hands but they refuse to submit, with the 5-0 demolition of Huddersfield Town a reminder they are ready to pounce should Manchester City slip up.
The gap between top - the place occupied by Jurgen Klopp's side after this victory - and bottom could not have been more glaring as the visitors were outclassed at Anfield.
City, now two points behind with a game in hand, face a potentially tricky trip to Burnley knowing they cannot afford a mistake at this late stage of the campaign,
The relegated Terriers did themselves no favours after allowing Naby Keita to score after just 16 seconds, Liverpool's quickest Premier League goal and their 100th in all competitions this season. Relive all the action below:
Welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Liverpool vs Huddersfield as Jurgen Klopp's side have the opportunity to leapfrog Manchester City - albeit temporarily - and return to the top of the Premier League table.
Evening all.
It is the title race that refuses to slip.
Manchester City's midweek derby triumph took Pep Guardiola's side back to the top of the table and back in control, safe in the knowledge that three wins against Burnley, Leicester and Brighton would secure back-to-back titles.
But Liverpool will believe they will still have their say, and this weekend it is their honour, on the tee, three from home, just one shot back.
Newcastle and Wolves will be Jurgen Klopp's men's closing salvos, but first it is a Friday night dinner at Anfield with relegated Huddersfield, and a chance to return to the top of the Premier League table.
Kick-off is at 8pm.
Before we get to team news, may I direct you towards Miguel Delaney's excellent weekend preview, focused, of course, on a neck-and-neck title race that feels strangely hollow, and a climax that may not climax.
Team News - Liverpool
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back in the Liverpool match day squad, while Dejan Lovren returns to the starting lineup after illness. Fabinho and Adam Lallana miss out after late fitness tests. Roberto Firmino is another notable absentee, with Daniel Sturridge in his place up front.
Team News - Huddersfield
Two changes for Huddersfield, with Jan Siewert having to do without goalkeeper Ben Hamer and midfielder Aaron Mooy after the pair picked up knocks in training.
Jurgen Klopp confirms that Roberto Firmino misses out with a muscular problem that he describes as "not a big problem."
A third Premier League start of the season for Daniel Sturridge, then.
The appointment of Jan Siewert has proved disastrous for Huddersfield, eleven losses in twelve games a woeful record even given the paucity of resources at the German's disposal.
While there have been bright moments, a 3-1 lead at West Ham springing to mind, all the fight seems to have gone from the Huddersfield players, and it seems Siewert may be neglecting those who may be plying their trade elsewhere next year.
Surely they can't spring an almighty shock this evening?
Little doubt for our Chief Football Writer...
It looks like a return to the five-at-the-back for Huddersfield, with the pace of Isaac Mbenza and Karlan Grant perhaps utilised in wider channels to try to exploit any potential opportunities on the counter.
"Liverpool’s season might unravel rather quickly over the next fortnight or their campaign could extend by another three weeks, changing history forever. Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, though, Liverpool can be quite confident about one thing. Their place at the top end of the table is more secure than it has been at any moment since City were bought out by Abu Dhabi in 2008 and changed the financial landscape of football overnight."
Simon Hughes on how and why Liverpool have reclaimed their place at the very top of English football, even if the title race ultimately falls Manchester City's way.
Home comforts
If, somehow, it escaped your attention this week the PFA released their Team of the Year as voted on by the players. Six players from Manchester City, four from Liverpool and Paul Pogba a lone crusader from the rest.
And that man pictured below is all but anointed as PFA Players' Player of the Year after an extraordinary season at the heart of the Liverpool defence.
It may not be his toughest night given state of the two sides, but Virgil Van Dijk will be keen to continue his supremacy this evening. And, according to certain organisations who track such things, he hasn't been dribbled past all season, so he'll be looking to keep that remarkable record up.
Just the 74 points separating the two sides in the Premier League table.
Mightn't be a close one...
There has already been success for Liverpool this week, and against Manchester City, too.
Their youth side triumphed on penalties in last night's FA Youth Cup Final.
Psychological advantage?
We tick over the 15 minutes to go mark and the teams are back inside the dressing rooms as the atmosphere builds.
But a procession would be rather befuddling given the on-paper mismatch and contrasting attitudes towards these final stages of the season, but hey, it's football, and anything can happen.
(Though probably not tonight...)
The late-arrivers are filtering into their seats, cheering on the team announcement as they go.
Big cheer for the returning Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. A round of applause, too. Good to have the midfielder back, and a reminder of just how deep Jurgen Klopp's stocks run at the position.
And the Liverpool owners are in town, John W. Henry donning his red tie and wrapped up warm in the poshest of posh seats.
The great thing for Henry is he can use it at Boston Red Sox games, too. Big fan of that colour cohesion. Saves money. It must be an issue for Stan Kroenke.
Just before kick-off, and in case you need one, a reminder of the top of the table.
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