Fernando Torres will relish his chance to give Nemanja Vidic another nightmare - Daily Mail

Last updated at 12:17 AM on 9th January 2011

It's a sad but undeniable fact that the importance of the FA Cup has beendevalued in recent seasons because of the importance, particularly financial, of the Premier League. The scheduling of four league games in 11 days immediately before this weekend's third round ties doesn't help the great old competition, either.

It's no wonder that many teams, especially those who are in Europe or fighting for Premier League survival, put out weakened line-ups.

Even so, unless the fixture list has left players so tired they can barely move, I can't see Manchester United or Liverpool wanting to leave out many big guns when they play in the tie of the round at Old Trafford today.

It's probably fair to say both clubs would have preferred an easier draw, but now that it's here I can see the positives for Liverpool, facing one of your fiercest rivals is a great carrot to help turn around a disappointing season.

Imagine what a win or even a draw could do for the belief and confidence of the players. One twist of fate can be enough to haul a team out of a bad run.

A Torres time: The Spaniard can inflict more misery on Vidic at Old Trafford

Team selection is always fascinating and we know what happened when Liverpool made mass changes for the Carling Cup tie against Northampton — it didn't really work and they went out to the League Two side on penalties. We don't know the toll that recent games against Wolves, Bolton and Blackburn have had on certain players but I hope Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will be fit and raring to go. It's the sort of fixture big players thrive on. Torres, in particular, would relish the chance today.

It is strange how certain opponents bring out the best in players. They look down the teamsheet and think they can cause damage, while that opponent will be dreading a reunion. It's the case with Torres and Nemanja Vidic.

The Serbia defender has had nightmares against Liverpool. He has been sent off three times, while Torres has plenty of happy memories of Old Trafford, particularly that 4-1 win, which was not that long ago.

It really is true that knowing what you've done against a certain player or team in the past can breed confidence and that will apply to Torres and United.

It's true that Fernando has not been as effective for Liverpool this season as in previous years but the team have not had a great season as a whole. I've seen and read the criticism but I don't think he is, by any means, finished as a top performer, as some would suggest.

I still regard him as one of the best strikers in Europe and even in this supposedly disastrous season, he remains Liverpool's top Premier League scorer with six goals.

By way of contrast, Wayne Rooney, who has also received some stick — although not as much as Fernando — has scored just once in open play for United since last March.

Torres has been isolated in some games but that is what happens when the team are not playing well; they get pushed back and gaps appear between midfield and the attack. It's not always to do with work-rate.

And, let's not forget, most of the good moments from Liverpool this season have come from Fernando. Remember that fantastic double against Chelsea — and the volley against Bolton from Steven's wonderful pass?

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I've been away on a winter break in recent games but know that when results fall below expectations there is always some disenchantment from the fans.

One advantage perhaps of facing United is it will unite the supporters facing the 'old enemy' and there is unlikely to be anything but passionate support from our fans.

They will want to portray that atmosphere of total togetherness against United.

Keane can still get to grips with being a manager

It can be an advantage as a manager to have played at the top level, particularly in the short term, because the players will respect your past achievements.

I am sure Roy Keane, an absolutely magnificent player, found that out at Sunderland and Ipswich Town. But managing requires different skills and there is no guarantee of success for top players, although I'm sure Roy will still see himself as having a bright managerial future despite losing his job at Portman Road last week.

I've heard it said that ex-players who have been at the very highest level find it hard to coach or motivate players who might not be of the same standards.

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I don't see that as a valid excuse because if you are a manager, you have to manage the players you've got. You're not managing yourself as a player or your former team-mates! Being blessed with a certain degree of football ability yourself can be a bonus but the important thing is to be able to impart the knowledge and experience you gained as a player to those you are managing.

Maybe Roy has taken a bit of time to get to grips with that, although I believe his first job at Sunderland was fairly successful overall. He won't panic about being sacked by Ipswich and I think he will get another chance to see if he can be as successful in the dugout as he was in midfield.

Loan deals are meant to help players

The decision by Sir Alex Ferguson and Tony Pulis to take back players they had agreed to send out on loan to Preston North End raises interesting questions all round about the system.

I always thought the most important aspect of a loan deal was to benefit the player himself. It gives him the opportunity to play regular matches and develop more than he might at his main club.

I don't know the reason for the three United boys and two Stoke lads leaving Preston so abruptly after the club sacked their manager, Alex's son, Darren Ferguson.

But the important question for me is: has what has happened helped the players themselves?

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