For much of the summer after the end of last season, Roberto Martinez was linked with the top job at Liverpool, even holding talks with the Anfield club's owners. The job eventually went to Brendan Rodgers, with Martinez saying he was happy to remain at Wigan.
When the Latics take on Liverpool at Anfield, Martinez might have the lingering thought of what might have been, but will also have in the forefront of his mind, the various plots to bring down the Reds and with that prove a point or two.
Liverpool and Wigan are bunched together in 13th and 14th place, with 12 and 11 points respectively, with both teams looking to kick on and get into the top half of the table.
Liverpool have been a one-man show for much of the season, with Luis Suarez bailing the Reds out with crucial goals time and again, and Rodgers will again look to the Uruguayan, while also banking on the skills of Raheem Sterling, fresh from his first England cap, and the leadership of Steven Gerrard, who will no doubt be buzzing after completing his 100th appearance for his country.
Liverpool have some good news on the injury front, with Jonjo Shelvey, who missed the Chelsea game through injury, and Pepe Reina back in contention, while Martin Skrtel is also expected to be available.
"We're in a good moment," Rodgers told reporters. "Some of the players that have been out are starting to return back to training.
"Jonjo will be back into training today (Thursday), so he'll be fine (for the weekend). Pepe has been back in training. He was very close to last weekend.
"He made a great commitment to show he's fighting for his place here in the group. He was called into the Spanish squad, but stayed here to ensure he was fit and strong -- and he's been training all week. He'll be available for the weekend."
Brad Jones has filled in for Pepe Reina admirably and Rodgers admitted he was in a bit of a selection dilemma with the goalkeepers. "Brad has done terrific," he said. "I've said before, and I'll repeat again, Pepe Reina is our No.1 goalkeeper.
"He's been an outstanding goalkeeper for this football club. I know from speaking to him that he's committed and very determined to continue at a very high level for the next nine-10 years.
"He's been a model professional since I came in here, and I talk regularly with him to try and improve his game and help him get back to the level he wants to get to.
"It's good to have two good goalkeepers. Brad has stepped in and has been excellent. Now I have a choice to make for the weekend."
Rodgers will also welcome back Lucas Leiva soon, with the Brazilian midfielder expected to return to training next week. "Lucas Leiva will come back into training, which is great news," Rodgers added. "He has worked tirelessly in his rehabilitation, so he comes back out onto the field in a good moment.
"He won't be ready to play for the weekend, but certainly over the next couple of weeks he'll be very close."
Wigan have no major injury worries and Martinez is expected to field his preferred first XI.
Expected lineups: Liverpool: Reina, Enrique, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Allen, Sahin, Gerrard, Sterling, Suso, Suarez.
Wigan: Al Habsi; Ramis, Caldwell, Figueroa, Boyce, McCarthy, Watson, Beausejour, Di Santo, Maloney, Kone.
Prediction: 1-0 to Liverpool
