United warned to beware Owen

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier is tipping star striker Michael Owen to give Manchester United a history lesson.

Owen's late double at the Millennium Stadium sank Arsenal in the 2001 FA Cup final and Houllier believes the England forward can repeat his match-winning performance against United in the League (Worthington) Cup final.

Owen's clinical finish laid the foundations for Liverpool's 2-0 UEFA Cup win over Auxerre and, more importantly, was the first time he had scored in consecutive matches in four months.

For Houllier, that was simply a taste of things to come. "He's a big-game player," said the Liverpool manager. "I have no doubt about that and I know he never disappoints me in finals."

Owen put his league drought behind him by taking his season's tally to 18 goals against Auxerre, and Houllier could not have been more relieved.

"I know also that the older he gets the better he gets," the Liverpool manager said. "He's only 23 and already a great finisher - but look at Alan Shearer and the way he's playing now at his age.

"He has got better, he's more mature and composed, but Michael is already a tremendous finisher, that's all I can say about him."

United will delay a decision on their starting line-up until the last minute to give Ryan Giggs every chance to prove he is fit for an emotional appearance in his home-town on the 12th anniversary of his Manchester United debut.

Giggs has been the subject of some hostile criticism from the club's fans this season but his brace in the 3-0 win over Juventus in midweek was a timely reminder of the Welsh winger's match winning ability.

Giggs played for only 40 minutes in Turin having been doubtful for the match with a thigh strain.

"His two goals put us in the driving seat against Juventus," United boss Alex Ferguson acknowledged. "The trouble is that a thigh problem is not an easy one. But well give him a chance. Hell want to play in Cardiff but he is very doubtful."

Giggs himself admitted he faced a struggle to be fit.

"I had a similar kind of injury with Wales which settled down quite quickly afterwards. Hopefully this one will too but I am running out of days.

"I really want to play because it is my home city and all my family are going to be there. It is a great stadium in a great setting."

United are expected to be without Wes Brown (hamstring) but Paul Scholes, who missed last weekend's draw with Bolton and the Juventus match with a groin injury, has a good chance of being available for selection.

Liverpool are sweating on the availability of Swiss defender Stephane Henchoz and England striker Emile Heskey.