RAFA: ALBERT CAN BE LUCKY CHARM

Rafa Benitez today declared Albert Riera a potential lucky charm for Saturday's clash against Manchester United.

Having helped Manchester City overturn their local rivals two seasons ago on his first start at Eastlands, Riera will attempt more debut day magic this weekend. Benitez is hoping the new boy will help the Reds record a first league victory over United since April 2004. "I think he has settled down properly and quickly," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv. "He also started his Manchester City career against Manchester United and they won, so maybe he is a lucky man. He can talk English so he can understand, and he already knows some of the players - these are great advantages for him." The 26-year-old Spain international is eager to endear himself to the Anfield faithful and talked of his hopes to get off to a good start when he signed for the Reds on transfer deadline day. "I remember my first match in Manchester was the derby and we won 3-1," Riera told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It would be perfect if the same thing happened on my Liverpool debut. Why not? "It would be the perfect start to my Liverpool career. We can beat them. It is only one match, only three points, but it is very important that we win, especially because it is at home."