Andy Carroll
Liverpool's Carroll recovered well from a tough defeat to Manchester United. REUTERS

Mark Lawrenson believes that Andy Carroll and Steven Gerrard will both be taking full advantage of the heat being on Luis Suarez this weekend, as Liverpool aim to topple bitter rivals Manchester United in the Premier League.

Suarez will be under a lot of pressure with fans at Old Trafford taking issue with the striker, after he was charged by the FA for racially abusing Patrice Evra.

And after the reception that Evra received at Anfield two weeks ago, United fans will no doubt have it in for Suarez as he settles back into the squad after serving an eight match ban.

But Lawrenson believes that this could be a blessing for both Carroll and Gerrard, who will be hoping to be at their best as they take on the Red Devils.

"Andy Carroll and Steven Gerrard will no doubt be delighted if Suarez gets on because the spotlight will be on him rather than them!" He told the Liverpool Daily Post.

The former Liverpool defender, who was a member of the wildly successful 1980s side, believes that Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson have both set a good example in commenting that the match should be about what happens on the pitch rather than off it.

"As Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson have already stated, let's hope everybody just gets on with the game," he explained.

"Liverpool-United is like a derby. It doesn't matter what the last score was. If you aren't ready and up for the fight, then you may as well not turn up."

The game doesn't just hold importance for the sake of Liverpool's rivalry with United; while the Reds are hoping to make it into the top four, their opponents are aiming to overtake Manchester City and shore up top spot in the league.

If United were to win the league this season, they would have two more domestic titles than Liverpool, and Dalglish's squad will do anything to stop that from happening as they rebuild into a team capable of challenging for European trophies once more.