There will be many sub-plots in play when Manchester City host Wigan Athletic on Sunday, but arguably none will be more intriguing than the return of Latics boss Uwe Rosler to the club where he made his name in English football.
Sunday's fixture, which will be broadcast live on BT Sport, is a re-run of last year's FA Cup Final, when Wigan stunned the world of football by beating much-fancied City 1-0 at Wembley.
The last eight clash will also allow Rosler to pit his wits against the club for whom he struck 64 goals in 175 appearances during a prolific four-year spell in the 1990s.
Manchester City v Wigan Athletic
FA Cup Sixth Round
4pm, Sunday 9 March
Etihad Stadium
Live on BT Sport
The German is still revered in the sky-blue half of Manchester and admits it will be difficult to keep his emotions in check when his side arrive at the Etihad.
"It will be a very special day for me, my players and the Wigan Athletic supporters," he told the Wigan Evening Post. "We're not in the Premier League any more, and we don't get the chance to play against teams like Manchester City every week.
"It's obviously an emotional game for myself, but what I have to try and do is take the emotion out of it. It won't be easy, but I can do it.
"My owner, my staff, my players and the supporters will expect only 110 per cent from me, and that is what they are going to get. It would be very difficult for me to deny the emotional bond I will always have with Manchester City.
"In 2003 I was just recovering from cancer and finishing my treatment. I went there to say thank you for the support I got from the club and supporters, and that was a very emotional day.
"Now, 11 years later, I am here at a wonderful Football Club as a manager so it is quite a story. The emotions will be there but I also know I will be a very professional guy and will focus on the job in hand.
Rosler took over at Wigan in December 2013
"But I can promise everyone that for 90 minutes, maybe more, I will be doing everything I can to help Wigan Athletic win the tie."
Championship Wigan have already seen off two Premier League sides, Crystal Palace and Cardiff City, as part of their bid to defend their crown. Rosler feels the City side his players will face on Sunday are a much different proposition to the one that was defeated under The Arch ten months ago.
"City are a different side than they were for the FA Cup final," he added.
"They are coming in on the back of a Capital One Cup victory, they are also chasing the Premier League title, and they are still in the Champions League.
"But I have to say that my players have been very good since I've been here, they've really surprised me - in a good way.
"There is a real confidence around the place at the moment, and I will tell my players to enjoy the occasion.
"Our chances are not sky-high, but anything can happen in football."
