George Shields is no Angus derby new-boy, but an Arbroath v Montrose clash where two 100% records are on the line is fresh territory even for him.
The Links Park boss, who takes his two-out-of-two side to face their three-out-of-three neighbours, knows it is a rarity for both clubs to be unbeaten when they meet each other.
And he has pledged the Montrose players will be in no doubt as to the significance of the match for their supporters.
“It’s the fans’ big game,” he said. “They definitely want to get one over the Arbroath supporters and to have the bragging rights until the next game.
“It will be the first time in a long while, if ever, that the clubs have been as high as first and third in the table, and that gives it extra spice.
“A few of my players have played for Arbroath so they know what it is all about. And I’ve been involved in them when Ray (Farningham) and Stuart (Garden) were the manager.”
Shields will have to make two enforced changes to the team which won at Annan last week, with Alan Campbell and Scott Johnston both out. Danny Cavanagh is unlikely to be available as well.
He said: “There will have to be a couple of changes but we’re in really good form. It’s probably the best we’ve played for many a year. Hopefully we can keep that going.
“I’ve watched Arbroath myself a couple of times and I’m sure they are one of the favourites to win the league.
“But all the sides are of a similar standard and I’m sure this will be a close game.”
Top of the table Arbroath’s manager Allan Moore is looking forward to his first experience of a derby meeting with Montrose, and he is delighted to be going into it with an almost complete squad.
Only Jonny Lindsay is unavailable due to a groin problem, with new signing Jordon Lowdon included after international clearance came through from New Zealand and Ricky Little overcoming a knee injury.
Moore said: “We have genuine competition for places right across the team now after bringing Jordon in as well as Jack Smith earlier in the week.
“The players know that they cannot do anything half-hearted or they will not feature and if they lose their starting place it may take them a while to get back in.
“With Ricky available we have competition at right-back with Michael Travis and Mark Whatley able to play there.
“Ricky can also play in the centre of defence and if he goes in there that means that Kevin Nicholl could go back into midfield.
“Craig Johnstone did well when he came on at left-back in the 2-0 win over Queen’s Park but Mark had done well beforehand.
“Jack puts pressure on the strikers and I believe that the players will push each other on to higher performance levels.
“Hopefully we will see the benefits of that approach against Montrose.”
The former Stirling Albion and Morton boss is well aware of the importance of the fixture.
He said: “I have only been here a short time but I know that game means a lot to the fans as well as the people involved at both clubs.
“It is my first experience of it and the game could not be set up any better as both teams have perfect records so far.
“I am really pleased that we have secured three wins out of three.”