Bennett has been withdrawn from the game at the JJB Stadium as a charge is still hanging over Wigan following his officiating of the Latics' 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on September 1.

Bennett incorrectly dismissed Kevin Kilbane during the game for two bookable offences, the second of which - for leading with an elbow into Alan Smith - he later conceded he got wrong.

Yet the club were unable to overturn the dismissal as there are no grounds to appeal when two yellow cards have been issued.

Stemming from the incident, though, the Latics were furious with Bennett's decision and made their protests known at the time for which he later cited Wigan for failure to control their players.

Although the club have pleaded guilty to the Football Association, they filed a letter claiming mitigating circumstances, with the case yet to be heard.

Once the club heard Bennett would be in charge for the visit of the Reds, they reminded the FA of the current situation, and now Mark Clattenburg will take charge.

"It's common-sense it has been changed," remarked Hutchings.

"If it had been the same referee then we would have had to have dealt with it because it's in the past now and we have to move on.

"But coming here he might have been under pressure, the same for the players, so it just makes common-sense to do what they (the FA) have done.

"But if he referees next week's game, or the game after, then so be it."

The match is a critical one for Hutchings as it is his first in charge against one of the Barclays Premier League's 'big four'.

In 16 games under Paul Jewell in the top flight against Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea spread over the last two seasons, Wigan lost all 16 and conceded 41 goals.

Hutchings knows that is a miserable record that has to change as he said: "It is poor, but it happens.

"It's something we know about, we're conscious of and we have to put right.

"Saturday is the ideal time to do that, but we're not dwelling on it, and we go into the game optimistic."

Dismissing suggestions Wigan have perhaps not been mentally right, Hutchings added: "It's not a mentality issue.

"You are playing against quality so you have to make sure you are mentally and physically right, and we are positive.

"We just have to go about our jobs, making sure we are tight at the back to keep them out because they've quality players, while also trying to attack them.

"Of course you always want to beat the big teams, but it's tough, as anyone will tell you."