AS if by magic, we get an instant dress-rehearsal for the 2006 FA Cup final. Or perhaps we don't.
A gathering of the nation's best judges of soccer flesh will cram itself into Upton Park's press box tonight, brows knitted in concentration.
They will try to read the runes. Attempt to guess, from body language, tactics, and final score, what the Millennium Stadium holds for West Ham and Liverpool.
Usually this kind of examination proves to be a fruitless exercise.
Made so by managers either resting players or unveiling a strategy - diamond, Christmas tree or something equally exotic - that won't see the light of day again.
Disinformation is all.
Give nothing away about your thinking. Better still, try to kid the opposition by - gulp! - allowing them to win without breaking sweat.
Both Alan Pardew and Rafael Benitez are well versed in caginess. Of course they will want tonight's game to end without significant injuries.
But, just as importantly, they'll wish to deny each other important insights into their cup final intentions.
On that score, West Ham may not have a lot to hide. They have a small squad so don't have the luxury of keeping half a team under wraps.
Rafael Benitez can duck and dive with cup-tied Robbie Fowler changing Liverpool's shape, though not in Cardiff.
Dietmar Hamann can come in, with Mohamed Sissoko given a rest. Xabi Alonso or Steven Gerrard could also drop out, along with the slightly hurt Harry Kewell.
Djimi Traore might come in for either Jamie Carragher or Sami Hyypia, with Stephen Warnock also appearing.
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