Premier League leaders Liverpool will count on extra magic from Mohamed Salah after they meet Everton in an emotional Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Chelsea face Tottenham having emerged as surprising title contenders, whereas West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui and Wolves supervisor Gary O’Neil battle to keep away from the sack. AFP Sport appears to be like on the key speaking factors forward of this weekend’s motion:
Salah fuels Liverpool
Mohamed Salah’s blistering type could possibly be the perfect antidote to Everton’s frenzied followers when Liverpool face their rivals for the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park within the Premier League.
Everton host the Reds for the ultimate time at their dwelling of 132 years in a top-flight match on Saturday, with the Toffees resulting from transfer to a brand new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock in time for subsequent season.
Goodison is at all times hostile territory for Liverpool however the significance of their newest home squabble means the Everton trustworthy can be ramped up much more than traditional.
“I’d wish to assume it’s going to carry our followers to the fore,” Everton supervisor Sean Dyche mentioned.
Liverpool can be assured of silencing the raucous environment if Egypt star Salah keep his scorching streak
On Wednesday, Salah, who has netted 9 occasions in his final seven league matches, scored twice in a 3-3 draw at Newcastle, surpassing Wayne Rooney’s document by scoring and helping in the identical Premier League recreation for the thirty seventh time.
Salah is out of contract on the finish of the season and mentioned final week he was “dissatisfied” by the membership’s failure to supply him a brand new deal.
But, with 15 targets in all competitions this time period, Salah’s worth is evident to Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
“Every time we’d like Mo Salah he scores a aim. We are hoping and anticipating he can proceed this for a very long time,” he mentioned.
Chelsea exceeding expectations
When Enzo Maresca arrived at Stamford Bridge in June, the brand new Chelsea boss was extensively seen to have inherited an not possible job.
Tasked with marshalling a bloated squad crammed with gifted however underachieving children, whereas dealing with demanding Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, the Italian had taken a serious danger by leaving promoted Leicester to interchange Mauricio Pochettino.
But quick ahead simply six months and the sound of Maresca being serenaded by Chelsea followers throughout Wednesday’s 5-1 win at Southampton underscored the 44-year-old’s influence in a brief house of time.
Chants of ‘We’ve received our Chelsea again’ echoed round St Mary’s and forward of Sunday’s London derby at Tottenham, the Blues sit in second place, seven factors behind Liverpool, after extending their unbeaten league run to 6 video games.
It may be too quickly for inexperienced Chelsea to win the title, however a prime 4 end could be tangible reward for his or her enchancment beneath Maresca.
“It was an excellent feeling, particularly as a result of you’ll be able to see that they’re pleased, that’s our goal,” Maresca mentioned of Chelsea’s followers.
Lopetegui and O’Neil in sack race
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui and Wolves supervisor Gary O’Neil will face their former golf equipment on Monday in a relegation showdown that would finish with one in all them being sacked.
In the aftermath of Tuesday’s 3-1 loss at Leicester, Lopetegui was reported to have survived a board assembly about his place.
But the Spaniard, who changed David Moyes within the close-season, will not be secure but, with options he might nonetheless be dismissed if the Hammers lose at dwelling to fellow strugglers Wolves, who he managed within the 2022-23 season.
Despite a 130 million kilos ($165 million) funding in new gamers, West Ham are 14th, having received simply 4 of their 14 league matches.
Wolves have fared even worse, with Wednesday’s 4-0 thrashing at Everton leaving them three factors adrift of security in nineteenth place.
O’Neil, who performed for West Ham from 2011 to 2013, heard Wolves followers name for his sacking throughout their ninth league loss this time period.
Asked if he anticipated to be in cost towards West Ham, O’Neil mentioned: “I can solely preserve going till issues change. You will not discover anybody extra hard-working {and professional} than me.”
Fixtures (all occasions GMT)
Saturday
Everton v Liverpool (1230), Aston Villa v Southampton, Brentford v Newcastle, Crystal Palace v Manchester City (all 1500), Manchester United v Nottingham Forest (1730)
Sunday
Fulham v Arsenal, Ipswich v Bournemouth, Leicester v Brighton (all 1400), Tottenham v Chelsea (1630)
Monday
West Ham v Wolves (2000)
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