As professional rugby returns to Scotland, Edinburgh take on rivals Glasgow at Murrayfield knowing they could secure top spot in Conference B, and a home semi-final.
In Conference A, Glasgow need a minor miracle to reach the last four. Warriors require maximum points from the two derbies, and other results to go their way.
While no extra motivation is needed for these 1872 Cup grudge matches, Edinburgh do have the edge when it comes to continuity.
Danny Wilson is a fine coach but has only been at the helm of Glasgow for five minutes, while the capital city side have had three years under Richard Cockerill.
Edinburgh made the play-offs for the first time under the gnarly Englishman and are now gunning for their first title.
Whether they have enough strength in depth to challenge the likes of Leinster and go all the way is debatable, but they should overcome a four-point handicap against Glasgow on Saturday.
Their mighty pack has stayed intact during the lockdown hiatus and the return of Darcy Graham from injury will give them added bite in the backs, although Matt Scott has taken himself off to Leicester.
Edinburgh have the second-best defensive record in terms of tries conceded, with 23, while in attack their tally of 358 points scored is only bettered by Leinster, whose figures were boosted by a 55-19 thrashing of Glasgow last time out.
Edinburgh have won the last three meetings at Scottish Rugby’s HQ and we predict that run will continue with a fourth, by a margin of 6-10 points.
