Manchester United face Aston Villa in the final FA Cup third round clash, but the game is laced with more importance than it may seem.
The FA Cup is not held in the same regard as it once was, and sides especially associated with the 'big six' tend to use the earlier rounds as a chance to rest some of their big names.
But it was Villa that marked the major turning point in United's season, and resulted in the downfall of the club under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the club are still awaiting a major refresh under Ralf Rangnick.
Therefore, it's not just a place in the fourth round that's at stake for United, but pride and vengeance is also on the line.
It was Dean Smith in the opposing dugout when Villa handed United their first Premier League loss of the season back in September, but now the stakes are even higher as Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is hoping to get the better of his former rivals in his first match against them as manager.
United made a bright start to the season, and the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo only added to the excitement at Old Trafford as fans were anticipating a title charge at last.
However, the wheels started to fall off as September came around, and United lost their first Champions League group match against Young Boys before West Ham knocked them out of the Carabao Cup.
It was a rocky start to the cup competitions but they still were looking good in the league, that was until everything changed as Villa beat United 1-0 at Old Trafford, leading to a complete collapse.
The manner of the defeat was damning, as club captain Harry Maguire went off injured, and United fell behind late on as Kortney Hause stunned the home crowd with just minutes remaining.
But United had a chance at redemption. A last-minute penalty at the Stretford End, the perfect opportunity for Bruno Fernandes to rescue a point... or so everyone thought.
The midfielder sent the spot kick high into the stands and boo's rang out at Old Trafford, but this was just the start of the almighty demise of United's season, leading to the end of Solskjaer's reign.
United were then pegged back by Everton in their next home clash as they were held to a 1-1 draw, and Maguire's return to the squad and to the King Power Stadium was badly timed, as Leicester won 4-2.
There was some reconciliation as United turned their fortunes around temporarily with a 3-0 win away at Tottenham, but then Liverpool arrived at Old Trafford and delivered one of the most humiliating defeats in the Red Devils' history.
The 5-0 was quickly followed by another dominant display by an away side at Old Trafford, as Manchester City toyed with United to win 2-0, and the 4-1 thrashing away to Watford was the final straw as Solskjaer was axed.
There has been some resurgence under Rangnick, but United have now tasted defeat for the first time under the German as they were beaten 1-0 by Wolves, and again, it was another disappointing defeat at home.
United have sharpened up at the back under Rangnick, but they haven't looked prolific going forward and the mass change that was expected under the 63-year-old is still yet to take place.
Their clash against Villa isn't just vital as it may be their last realistic route to obtaining silverware this season, but it could be the springboard to restore pride after their campaign was turned upside down back in September.
Villa are full of confidence too, as they have looked extremely impressive under Gerrard so far, and the recent deal to bring Philippe Coutinho to Villa Park has only added to the buzz in the Midlands.
United have to produce a statement performance against the visitors, as they cannot continue to be turned over at home, and they must avenge the brutal defeat that they were handed earlier in the season.
The clash has so many layers to from United's perspective, but for Gerrard there is only one objective on his first visit to Old Trafford as manager - get one over his long-lasting bitter rivals, and leave his stamp firm on enemy territory.
