The Crosstown Classic is set to gear up for action today as the Chicago White Sox will play host to inner-city rival Cubs for two games before traveling a few miles north along the red line to Wrigley Field on Wednesday for two more games.

The series comes at a pivotal point in the season for both teams as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline is Sunday. During the series, fans may be introduced to new faces on each side of the field as the Cubs are thought to be buyers at the deadline to improve their world series-contending squad while the Sox are entertaining offers on superstar pitcher Chris Sale and left-handed pitcher Jose Quintana in an effort to rid themselves of mediocrity and revamp their squad.

The Cubs and Sox have met annually since inter-league play (AL vs. NL) began in 1997 — however, there have only been a handful of times when both teams were in playoff contention, with the last coming in 2008 when both teams were swept in the divisional round of the playoffs.

The White Sox are ahead all-time against the Cubs 55-49, including 22-16 since 2009.

While the Crosstown Classic has a “friendlier” feel for the players compared to when they matchup with division rivals such as the Cardinals and Pirates for the Cubs and Royals and Tigers for the Sox, both teams probably want to gain bragging rights for the next calendar year as it is unlikely both teams make the playoffs.