Sunderland welcome Newcastle to the Stadium of Light on Sunday in what is being billed as the biggest North-East Women's derby in some time, with second hosting first in WSL2. Three points separate the sides after seven matches, with the hosts having lost one game while the Magpies hold a 100 per cent record.
Derby stakes high at the Stadium of Light
The home side will fancy their chances having already beaten their visitors in the League Cup a few weeks ago, when it could be argued they played a slightly weakened team.
Mel Reay, who this week took charge of her 250th game as manager of Sunderland (a 3-1 loss to WSL's Birmingham in the League Cup), saw her team be clinical in the first half last Sunday to win the Wear River Derby comfortably against Durham. She was in optimistic mood when I spoke to her, looking forward to the week ahead especially as her team had executed the game plan well.
The one word Mel used for 'El Lassico' was "massive" and that is as it should be. There is plenty of football to follow but victory for either side would help them enormously in the promotion push.
Beth Lumsden's big month
It has been a big month already for Newcastle United's Beth Lumsden. First of all she received the club's Player of the Month award for October. Then, this week, following an assist during Sunday's victory over Burnley, Beth was called up to the Scotland national team for the first time, before she signed a new contract on Wednesday, extending her stay in black and white.
It will be no surprise to see her on the teamsheet on Sunday, looking to add to her four goals and six assists already this season. Dubbed the 'Mackem Slayer' by supporters after her two goals at the Stadium of Light two years ago, she'll be relishing the game.
Her team have had the best of the WSL2 matches between the sides, winning three out of four - the last was drawn at the Stadium of Light. The crowd is expected to reflect the build-up and importance of the game, with the atmosphere unlikely to let it down.
Durham face crunch clash
Durham visit Wolverhampton (or more precisely Telford) still needing a win to add to growing confidence and hopefully get them off the bottom of the table. They rested some senior players in midweek in the Cup, so should be full strength for the crunch match.
Chronicle Live will bring live coverage of 'El Lassico' via its live blog and updates - kick off is 2pm.
