Soccer: Manchester Utd v Liverpool: Roy Keane, in Brian Kerr's Ireland squad for Wednesday's friendly against Poland, is set to return to Manchester United's starting line-up for the first time in four games as Old Trafford plays host to Liverpool today.

Keane made a 15-minute substitute's appearance against Charlton on Tuesday after recovering from a hamstring strain and seems set to replace Nicky Butt in a United side approaching full strength.

And, as the traditional powerhouses of the England game meet, Alex Ferguson has defended Gerard Houllier against the tag of underachievers against his team. But it will not stop Manchester United trying to put the boot into Liverpool's Champions League dream.

There have been repeated calls for Houllier's head, and it is widely anticipated the Frenchman will be removed from his post in the summer should they fail to secure a top-four berth.

Yet Ferguson, whose side are aiming to record back-to-back Premiership doubles over Liverpool, believes the criticism of Houllier has been unfair.

"You have to measure these things realistically," he said. "It is unfair to assess Gerard on Liverpool's performances this season because they have suffered so many injuries.

"Michael Owen has been out for a while, Jamie Carragher broke his leg, Steve Finnan and Stephane Henchoz have both been injured, while Chris Kirkland has missed a lot of the season as well.

"As coaches, we all accept we are open to criticism, but you only have to lose a game these days and people are waiting to have a go."

As Ferguson anticipated, with the clock ticking down on United's May 22nd FA Cup Final showdown with Millwall, his squad is starting to get back to full strength.

But while he has already stated players are now battling for starting berths at the Millennium Stadium, the Scot denies some are fighting for their entire United futures.

And he dismissed speculation that Keane and suspended centre-half Rio Ferdinand were going to be dumped in the summer as "one of the most ludicrous stories I have ever heard", and insisted no decisions on whether to reshape his squad would be taken until the season was at an end.

Meanwhile, Houllier believes Manchester United will finish as runners-up in the championship and his much-maligned Liverpool will "fight to the death" to clinch Champions League football next term.

Liverpool, clinging to fourth spot despite a dreadful Easter, must step out at Old Trafford against their most bitter rivals and prove Houllier right.

He says: "The players are playing for the club, if they are playing for their futures they will not play well. They are under no extra pressure to get new contracts and they have the big-time experience for what we are about to face, starting at Old Trafford.

"As for the future, we need to wait a bit to see what will happen and what money there is.

"Obviously there is a difference finishing in fourth place rather than fifth. But do not forget we are still fourth; we will fight to the death to keep that."