Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier receives seal of approval from Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard

"Both sets of fans behaved very well, they've had a bit of banter," says Kenny Dalglish in an extremely awkward interview with Sky Sports. The Liverpool boss went on to claim that he had no idea Luis Suarez refused to shake Patrice Evra’s hand, adding that the reporter was "bang out of order" to blame the Uruguayan for anything that happened at Old Trafford today. More on that shortly.

Even more from Alex Fisher at the Reebok Stadium: “As we wait for the players to come out here at the Reebok the travelling Wigan fans have unfurled a banner with just the word 'BELIEVE' on it. Not sure if that's to inspire the players or just to remind them all is not lost!”

More from Alex Fisher at the Reebok Stadium: When it's as cold as it is today a visit to your local rivals is exactly what you want and here at the Reebok we've got a Lancashire derby with massive implications. Neither side have had a good season so far but the home side are showing signs of recovery, which probably explains their optimism. Paul, 45, from Westhoughton is a Wigan fan, he made the short journey from home to the Reebok this afternoon with dreams of a victory in his head. “This is a massive game, we need to win today and start getting ourselves closer to the rest of the bottom five,” he said. “We’re in danger of getting cut off from the rest so Martinez has to do something to turn it around. I’d play Hugo [Rodallega] but [Franco] Di Santo seems to be in favour at the moment. It’ll be close but I reckon we’ll nick it.” However Michael, 25, from Boothstown, disagrees (well he is a Bolton fan) and he thinks this will be a comfortable home win. “A couple of weeks ago we’d have probably lost today but we’re in better form now and I think we’ll win easily today, 3-1 to Bolton with Eagles getting at least two.”

Rob Stewart reports from the Stadium of Light: Travelling Gooners are hoping the get a glimpse of Thierry Henry on what could be his farewell to the Premier League. Young Paddy Ziegler, who hails from Yorkshire, is desperate to see the Frenchman in action. “I have never seen him in real life so I really hope he gets on,” said Paddy. “He’s the best player the Premier League has ever seen and I just hope he goes out on a high.” Salesman Michael Lenihan, who lives in South Shields, echoed his sentiments, stating: “I remember when Thierry got a standing ovation from Sunderland fans a few years ago and I hope that we see something similar this time. He’s the best player that had ever stepped foot on the Stadium of Light pitch and even Sunderland fans know that.” Sunderland fans won’t mind if Henry goes out with a bang because they say they gladly forsake a win today in favour of a passage through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. “It’s always a pleasure to watch Henry so I won’t begrudge him a goal,” said John Ward, of Bedlington. “I’m just glad that he won’t be around for the FA Cup game and anyway if they do beat us they will go above Newcastle who are bound to get beaten at Spurs.”

Alex Fisher reports from the Reebok Stadium: “Bolton make two changes to the side that were beaten by Norwich as Tyrone Mears and Fabrice Muamba drop out of the starting line-up to be replaced by Gretar Steinsson and Kevin Davies. It will be the Bolton captain’s first start in the Premier League since mid-December and he will be looking to impress boss Owen Coyle after a reported move to Sunderland during the transfer window failed to materialise. None of the three players Bolton brought in during January start and only on-loan Arsenal youngster Ryo Miyaichi is involved in the squad as a substitute. American defender Tim Ream is not fit enough to be considered yet and Marvin Sordell is dropped from the squad after coming on as a substitute last weekend. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez makes just one change from the side that drew with Everton as Antolin Alcaraz returns in place of Ronnie Stam who drops to the bench. New signing Jean Beausejour starts again for the Latics who I expect to line up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, while Franco Di Santo is the man chosen by Martinez to lead the line in this crucial game with Hugo Rodallega having to be satisfied with a place on the subs’ bench.”