Liverpool were hoping that after we did our job and despatched West Ham 3-0 last weekend, that Manchester City would do us a favour and repeat the feat in their derby match against Manchester United. Unfortunately it was not to be, and United now sit atop the league once more.

Tonight they play their game in hand away to a strong Wigan side, managed by United old boy Steve Bruce. United will have to give fitness checks to central defenders, Rio Ferdinand and Johnny Evans, with John O’Shea set to deputise if both are ruled out of the game at the JJB. Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick are all set to return to the side.

Wigan will be without Egyptian striker Amir Zaki (knee injury), and Goalkeeper, former Liverpool player, Chris Kirkland (back).

If United win tonight, they will move a step closer to the Premier League title, and will only need a point against Arsenal on Saturday. So we need a result from Wigan tonight to give us any chance of still being in with a shot.

Can Steve Bruce’s side pull off a shock victory against his old mentor and old team? We can but hope. The Latics are still searching for their first win over a member of the ‘big 4′, so what better time than tonight?! Odds and history are against them, but over the 90 minutes, odds and history don’t really count.

Keep an eye on the match thread in the Pitchside section of the forums for all up to date info, before and during the match.