Roger Federer believes he will need an "extra special" performance to beat Novak Djokovic in the BNP Paribas Open final on Sunday.
Federer and Djokovic won through their semi-finals at Indian Wells on Saturday in straight sets, the Swiss second seed beating Milos Raonic 7-5 6-4.
They resume their rivalry with a repeat of the 2014 final, with Federer holding a 20-17 advantage over Djokovic in their head-to-heads.
But the 33-year-old feels he will need to be even better than usual if he is to win his 85th ATP World Tour title.
"I think we are both happy playing each other. We are both playing very well, so this is a time to face off for both of us, in my opinion," Federer said.
"I know I need an extra special performance tomorrow because Novak's going to push you there to come up with a lot of great shots in a row, which is not always easy to do.
"I will see how it goes."
Federer broke the big-serving Raonic, who beat Rafael Nadal in a quarter-final, twice on his way to victory.
The Canadian said Federer's returning was too good.
"He was neutralising well on the serve, but especially during the points I felt like a few times I was able to stretch him,” Raonic said.
"He was doing a good job of getting legs behind and always playing deep cross so I could never find that short forehand I was looking for."