That is the view of former Central Park favourite and Sky Sports pundit Phil Clarke.

The former Great Britain captain is well aware that Saints have held the upper hand of the derby matches in recent times.

St Helens won eight of nine league and cup games against Wigan from 2005 to the final game last year, when the Warriors needed to win to secure a play-off spot.

And Clarke says they must approach this Sunday's televised match with the same mindset.

He said: "Saints have been able to get up for the derby game more than Wigan have and I think that's why they've done so well.

"I think they start the year with three goals – to win the Grand Final, win the Challenge Cup and beat Wigan whenever they play against them.

"When Wigan have needed to win, like in the last game of the season last year to make it into the play-offs, they have done. "They need to approach this as a Cup Final. They need to view it as being much, much more than just two points."

Clarke played in several derbies himself during a trophy-laden career with his hometown club.

"They were fast games then and that was because of the excitement surrounding the matches," he said.

He is a fan of the concept of the Millennium Magic event but believes it needs greater support to make it a regular, annual event.

"I like the principal, I think it's a great idea," he added. "But it'd be nice to see more people there this year."