It is always a fiery, highly-charged affair whenever Everton and Liverpool go head-to-head - but Paul Merson does not expect to see the tackles flying in this time around.
The latest edition of the Merseyside derby takes place on Saturday at Anfield, kicking off at 5.30pm.
Liverpool are sixth in the table, three points ahead of seventh-placed Everton, who have a game in hand on their local rivals, so there is plenty to play for.
The fans will be notable by their continued absence once again due to the coronavirus pandemic.
That was the case at Goodison Park earlier this season, when sparks flew in a 2-2 draw.
The game will also be remembered for Virgil van Dijk sustaining a serious knee injury following a challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
While Van Dijk is still recovering, Pickford's form has come under the spotlight once more as he battles for the number one spot with Robin Olsen.
"He's the England goalkeeper, so he's under pressure," Merson told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports. "I think it helps that there's no crowd there.
"I think if the crowd were there, I think the Kop would have been on top of him and it would be hostile.
"If he can't play in this... he's the England goalie. We expect him to be playing in the European Championship finals come July, so this game is just run of the mill for him."
Merson believes neither side have the players to turn the fixture into a typical derby battle on the pitch.
"People are telling me this could be a feisty game," he added. "I look at both teams and I think: 'Who's going to tackle?'
"None of them are going to tackle, unless Allan plays, who can have a crunch.
"I look at the Liverpool team and think who's going to... unless Henderson's playing in midfield, who would be one of them that would remember what happened?
"But I look at the front three, I look at Gini Wijnaldum, maybe if James Milner plays, I see it with Milner - but I don't see any kicking...
"I watched Everton play Fulham last week and they got absolutely ripped to shreds. Not one person put a challenge in.
"You would have thought they had 11 Paul Mersons playing! I couldn't tackle, that wasn't my job!"
