If I had said to anyone before this season began that Aston Villa vs Newcastle United in the final run-in would be a stand-out game they would have laughed their socks off.
But it is because these are two bang in form sides fashioned expertly by two astute managers. Relegation has given way to thoughts of Europe for both clubs.
I'm really looking forward to this encounter Saturday lunchtime because it has everything to recommend it. Players of ability and passion who have found an unexpected silver lining, two hot managers in Unai Emery and Eddie Howe both wanted by Newcastle's new owners, a sound boardroom, and two sets of fans who are proud that their club has emerged into the sunlight but have a fierce rivalry with one another.
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And it is being played before the whole nation live on television. Honestly, it is fascinating with the possibility of being the Premier League game of the season.
Newcastle and Villa are the new kids on the block threatening to smash the Elite Six by gate crashing them. Right now at the expense of Liverpool and Chelsea.
It is good for the game because repetition is not necessarily healthy. Emery has so far done as fine a job at Villa as Howe has at Newcastle.
He has put a huge question mark against the name of Villa's previous manager Steven Gerrard because world class players do not automatically make world class managers.
Off the top of my head the likes of Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, and Stanley Matthews never made it in the hot seat while average footballers like Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, and Alex Ferguson most certainly did. Howe, by the way, is threatening to join that group.
While we praise the job Emery has done at Villa Park let us not forget how strong Newcastle are. They are third top, have won five games on the bounce, and have the best defensive record in the division. That is not to be sniffed at and will worry Villa as much as their recent record will alert United.
The back four and Nick Pope will have to be on their guard against a red hot Ollie Watkins but then will Villa defenders fancy facing Alexander Isak?
It is going to be so tight nothing would surprise me. A win for Newcastle by a single goal margin, a win for Villa by a single goal, or a draw.
Well, something would surprise me - if it was the same scoreline as at West Ham. Neither side will capitulate like the Hammers. So bring it on. Sit back and enjoy it. This is a lot different to a relegation slog season after season.
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