United win would cap perfect week

It didn't take much for Liverpool to better last week's miserable defeat at Wigan but Rafa Benitez's bold approach in the wins over Pompey and Lille deserves praise.

The inclusion of Aquilani, Babel and Maxi as well as the big two, Gerrard and Torres, meant Liverpool used attack as the best form of defence, and used it to devastating effect.

It is a pity though that after playing a direct role in two of Liverpool's goals on Monday, as well as netting one himself, Aqulaini picked up an ill-timed virus. With the season nearly over the Italian is probably best off seeing this year as a learning curve. With a full and proper pre-season behind him the Reds should start to see the best of him next term.

The early goal against Lille undoubtedly calmed the nerves around Anfield and although it won't go down as one of the stadium's more famous European nights, the skill of Torres ensured it was a comfortable one - eventually.

Like Rooney at United and Messi at Barca, Torres is that star player you who can win a game on his own. The sight of him on the sidelines has been the most frustrating aspect of this difficult season for Liverpool fans, as they know they are an infinitely better side with him on the pitch.

A promising week therefore can be topped off with a win at Old Trafford. Much of the build-up has surrounded last season's 4-1 win, when Torres made a fool of Nemanja Vidic. Can he do it again? Well I get the feeling this could be a bad time to play the Rafa's men. Finally they seem to have a settled side with their two talismans beginning to fire again. Though they are well out of the title picture they would love nothing more than to stop their bitter rivals from taking a 19th league title and nudging ahead of Liverpool in the rankings. However, the football betting odds suggest United will win the day.

The final word has to go on Riera. Though his words regarding Rafa's management style could hold some truth - it isn't the first time stories like this have surfaced - but the timing of his outburst and the manner of it is frustrating. If Reira is concerned about his 2010 football World Cup place and wants a move then there are ways and means of going about it.

Didi Hamann got it spot on when he said a player should look at himself first when he isn't playing rather than immediately blaming the manager. Reira has turned in too many average performances himself to criticise those around him. Whining to the media will only accelerate his departure, which is perhaps what he wants, and if he does end up leaving, I don't think he will be missed.