1986: The year Merseyside ruled English football

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When footballing rivalries get defined, one overriding factor distinguishes them from all others. One element, impossible to manufacture and even more impractical to explain, truly sets apart a Merseyside derby from an Old Firm derby, or a Milan derby from a North London conflict.

Atmosphere.

Derby games become treasured by classic back-and-forth 4-4 FA Cup encounters, they get archived by memorable Gary McAllister free kicks or towering Duncan Ferguson headers, and they provide endless talking points like Robbie Fowler's goal-line-snorting antics or Sander Westerveld's slapping contest with Francis Jeffers.

And at the very source of all these moments, is the outstanding catalyst that stirs footballers to show either their best or worst sides - and nothing in between. In North London or Glasgow it is more of a hate-fuelled emotion, whereas in Merseyside it is an atmosphere built on a longstanding collective togetherness - knitted together by poignant moments such as Hillsborough - that sees both sets of fans want to represent their city best.

On Sunday, that Merseyside pride will ensure a more fraught feeling around Goodison Park than has been witnessed in the majority of the past decade. Usually sold as the opportunity to win bragging rights around the city of Liverpool, Sunday's clash will simmer on a set of ingredients that sees the losers slip further towards an unexpected relegation battle. Desperation, rather than desires for braggadocio, will be the driving force behind what transpires over 90 minutes of football.

It all seems a far cry from 24 years ago when, after an epic battle for the league title, Liverpool and Everton headed for Wembley to determine the best team in the country in the FA Cup final. The Blues had occupied top spot in the old First Division for nearly the entire 1985/86 campaign, yet eight wins in their last nine matches saw Liverpool steal it.

Rather than fighting for their very existence in the High Court, or fearing for their status as top flight clubs in the league table, the only serious concern for Merseyside on May 10, 1986 was whether the FA Cup would finish the day adorned with red or blue ribbons. For Everton, memories of their cup final defeat to Manchester United 12 month previous still felt raw.