Liverpool FC: Reds Must Top Everton to Keep Momentum Alive

To say that Liverpool's early Premier League season has been up and down would be an understatement. If they are going to have any chance at staying in EPL title contention this season, they must find a more consistent game.

The Reds drew the first match of the season against Sunderland. They followed that up with a 2-0 win over Arsenal and then won 3-1 over Bolton Wanderers.

A hard fought 1-0 loss to Stoke City followed, before an embarrassing 4-0 loss to Tottenham.

The good news is that they have since defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers. If the two-win, two-loss pattern is going to continue, the Reds should defeat Everton on Saturday.

However, it's not quite that simple. Since beating Arsenal 2-0 in the second match of the season, Liverpool hasn't won a match away from Anfield. The match against Everton is on the road.

Everton isn't a pushover opponent. They are on a two-match winning streak at home. Tim Howard is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. They don't overwhelm you with offense, as no player has more than one goal, but the defense has been strong enough to carry the club.

So, while this won't be an easy match, it's one that the Reds must win. Being a good club doesn't just mean beating up on bad opponents. Every now and again, you must come through with a tough win. Sure, there will be some losses, but they need to be significantly outnumbered.

At this point, Liverpool hasn't really done that. They are certainly not a bad club. Luis Suárez leads the Reds with three goals on the young season. 

However, the road gets no easier from this point. Yes, after Everton, they come home. Still, their next match is against Manchester United.

It's not that Liverpool can't beat the Red Devils, but that's a match that they need to have the momentum in when they play it.

Liverpool must beat Everton. If they don't, the season won't be bad, it will just be a good indicator of the up and down season to come.