Both parties would probably prefer to move on from the past, but there will be an inevitable degree of focus upon another Roy Hodgson reunion with Liverpool at West Brom on Saturday evening.
It has been almost nine months since the 64-year-old was sacked at Anfield following a woefully unsuccessful half-a-year in charge of the five-time kings of Europe and much has changed in that time.
Kenny Dalglish is now Liverpool's boss having been promoted from an ambassadorial role and a position working with the club's Academy for a second spell as manager in the wake of Hodgson's departure.
The Kop idol was a constant issue during Hodgson's reign, with it widely recognized most fans would have preferred the Scot to have replaced former boss Rafa Benitez in the summer of 2010.
Dalglish was ultimately appointed, but Hodgson has already got one over on his predecessor after West Brom defeated Liverpool 2-1 at The Hawthorns in April, when two Chris Brunt penalties gave the Baggies a first win over the Merseysiders in 30 years.
Hodgson was characteristically too much of a gentleman to revel in a win against a club which had made him unemployed just 12 weeks previously and instead the focus was upon a success which moved West Brom further clear of relegation.
It was Hodgson's fifth game unbeaten since taking over at The Hawthorns and he will hope for more of the same this season having built a recent run of four Premier League matches without defeat, including back-to-back Midlands derby wins.
Liverpool will also have other concerns away from Hodgson, as Dalglish attempts to find a cure to his side's developing trend for frustrating draws which was epitomized in last weekend's evening match against Norwich.
West Brom will be without striker Shane Long after the Republic of Ireland international was ruled out for six weeks with the knee injury suffered during last weekend's win over Aston Villa.
Somen Tchoyi and Simon Cox will be vying to partner Peter Odemwingie up front.
Midfielders Paul Scharner and Graham Dorrans (both knee) and winger Jerome Thomas (foot) are expected to be fit.
Liverpool are to assess the fitness of star striker Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan sustained a 'little knock' in the midweek Carling Cup win over Stoke.
If fit, the Copa America winner could be partnered by Andy Carroll in attack after the £35million man gave an indication he is finding some sort of form at the Britannia Stadium.
Midfielder Lucas Leiva is available again after missing the draw with Norwich through suspension, but Jay Spearing will be disappointed to drop out after doing well against Stoke.
Daniel Agger is likely to play in the centre of defence after the Dane started his first match in just over a month in midweek following his recovery from a rib injury.
Possible starting XIs:
West Brom: Foster, Reid, Olsson, McAuley, Jones, Brunt, Mulumbu, Scharner, Thomas, Tchoyi, Odemwingie.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Enrique, Lucas, Adam, Downing, Gerrard, Kuyt, Suarez.
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