Liverpool Eye Merseyside Derby Victory at Everton

AFP/APP

London: Premier League leaders Liverpool face a hostile atmosphere in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, while Chelsea’s unexpected rise continues, and the pressure mounts on West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil.

Salah Leads Liverpool into Emotional Merseyside Derby

Liverpool will look to Mohamed Salah to continue his stellar form as they visit Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before the Toffees move to a new stadium next season.

Everton’s frenzied fans are sure to create a charged atmosphere, but Salah’s blistering run, including two goals in a 3-3 draw with Newcastle, gives Liverpool confidence. Salah has been instrumental, with 15 goals this season, as manager Arne Slot hopes the Egypt star will maintain his red-hot streak.

Chelsea Surpassing Expectations

Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, have far exceeded expectations this season. After a difficult start, the Blues are second in the league, just seven points behind Liverpool, following an impressive 5-1 victory over Southampton.

With an unbeaten league run of six matches, Maresca has revitalized the squad and won over Chelsea supporters, who now chant “We’ve got our Chelsea back.” While a title challenge may still be premature, a top-four finish is within reach.

Lopetegui and O’Neil Face Pressure in Relegation Battle

West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil find themselves under pressure, as both face potential sackings in a crucial relegation clash on Monday. Lopetegui’s West Ham, having invested heavily in new players, are struggling in 14th place with just four wins from 14 matches.

Meanwhile, Wolves, in 19th place, are three points adrift of safety after a 4-0 loss to Everton. Both managers are fighting to keep their jobs, with O’Neil expressing his determination to keep pushing forward despite the mounting pressure.

Premier League Fixtures (All Times GMT)

Saturday

• Everton vs Liverpool (12:30)
• Aston Villa vs Southampton (15:00)
• Brentford vs Newcastle (15:00)
• Crystal Palace vs Manchester City (15:00)
• Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest (17:30)

Sunday

• Fulham vs Arsenal (14:00)
• Ipswich vs Bournemouth (14:00)
• Leicester vs Brighton (14:00)
• Tottenham vs Chelsea (16:30)

Monday

• West Ham vs Wolves (20:00)