Liverpool FC: Reds Should Kick Merseyside Rival Everton While They're Down

Liverpool and Everton are preparing to write the next chapter of the Merseyside derby story on Saturday at Goodison Park. With the Toffees suffering through financial woes and trying to replace the creativity of midfielder Mikel Arteta, the Reds should take pleasure in pushing their rivals further down the table.

Liverpool currently sits in fifth place with 10 points after knocking off Wolverhampton over the weekend, while Everton lost to Manchester City to remain at seven points. However, they have a tough schedule to navigate during the month of October, and it all starts with a visit from their crosstown rivals on Oct. 1.

Liverpool is still waiting for Andrew Carroll to find the score sheet for the first time during the Premier League campaign after netting 11 in 19 games with Newcastle United last season. The team website posted some comments from defender Jose Enrique concerning Carroll's Premier League drought.

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Enrique predicts his former Newcastle teammate will soon start finding the net on a regular basis in the league following his Carling Cup cracker against Exeter. And he is hopeful Everton will be the first victims next weekend.

'Andy was unlucky not to score,' said Enrique. 'Maybe he tried too many tricks with the chance at the end but I think next time he will score. Against Everton would be the perfect game for him to score.'

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No player has scored more than one time for the Toffees this season as their striker woes continue. That makes them ripe for the picking against Liverpool, who have had their own inconsistencies in the offensive third, but Luis Suarez is more talented than anything Everton has to offer.

While the rivalry is considered a friendly one, don't mistake that warmheartedness for indifference. Both teams get extra joy from beating their intercity foes. Liverpool knows Everton is on the edge of the cliff as far as their Premiership season is concerned, and it wouldn't mind giving them a little shove.

Look for Suarez to find the score sheet early on a pass from Charlie Adam before Carroll does indeed find the back of the net for the first time in league play. Louis Saha will score a late goal to give the Toffees hope, but Liverpool will shut the door and pick up the win.

A win that will continue Everton's slide down the table, much to the delight of Kenny Dalglish and his team.

Prediction: Liverpool 2, Everton 1