Liverpool Face Merseyside Derby Cauldron, Chelsea Defy Expectations

Premier League leaders Liverpool will expect more magic from Mohamed Salah when they meet Everton in an emotional Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Chelsea face Tottenham having emerged as unexpected title contenders, while West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui and Wolves manager Gary O'Neil battle to avoid the sack. AFP Sport looks at the key talking points ahead of this weekend's action:

Salah fuels Liverpool

Mohamed Salah's blistering form could be the ideal antidote to Everton's frenzied fans when Liverpool face their rivals for the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park in the Premier League.

Everton host the Reds for the final time at their home of 132 years in a top-flight match on Saturday, with the Toffees due to move to a new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock in time for next season.

Goodison is always hostile territory for Liverpool but the significance of their latest domestic squabble means the Everton faithful will be ramped up even more than usual.

"I'd like to think it'll bring our fans to the fore," Everton manager Sean Dyche said.

Liverpool will be confident of silencing the raucous atmosphere if Egypt star Salah maintain his hot streak

On Wednesday, Salah, who has netted nine times in his last seven league matches, scored twice in a 3-3 draw at Newcastle, surpassing Wayne Rooney's record by scoring and assisting in the same Premier League game for the 37th time.

Salah is out of contract at the end of the season and said last week he was "disappointed" by the club's failure to offer him a new deal.

But, with 15 goals in all competitions this term, Salah's value is clear to Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

"Every time we need Mo Salah he scores a goal. We are hoping and expecting he can continue this for a long time,"