Premier League Buildup alongside Football Association Cup Round Two Developments plus Additional Coverage
Introduction
Good morning to another weekend day. This is your all-in-one football coverage hub, centering on the day's major football fixtures. England's top division offers fascinating matches featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers and Fulham & Crystal Palace. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with Women's Super League games plus FA Cup round two drama rounds out the lineup. We encourage share your thoughts and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.
Yesterday's Headlines
Liverpool's Egyptian star grabbed the spotlight even though he was absent in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Elland Road. Salah delivered an astonishing critique on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” following being left out the starting lineup for the third consecutive match. The player stated feeling made a scapegoat for the club's disappointing beginning to the season.
“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”
The other significant Premier League story was the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. That result, coupled with City's comfortable win over the Black Cats, makes for a incredibly close battle at the summit of the standings.
Away from the English football, the Argentine maestro once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they triumphed the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
Brighton host the Hammers in a 2pm GMT start. West Ham have displayed signs of life since the appointment of manager Nuno. A creditable midweek draw means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.
Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last season's cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest away fixtures.
The FA Cup Second Round
England's famous cup competition second round delivered lots of drama on Saturday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare made history by advancing to the third round for the first time in their history.
Additional standout outcomes featured:
- Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United beat Stockport on penalties.
- Non-league Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Sunday's cup action includes:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT start)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
The Premier League's Three Tiers
There seems to be a trio of separate mini-leagues forming in this season's top flight.
- The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently vying for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight section contains several big names, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any put together a winning run to threaten the elite?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up probably involves several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially in trouble. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the fight.
Other Matches Today
Outside the Premier League and FA Cup, today's schedule feature:
Women's Super League (WSL): (All 12pm GMT unless stated)
- Leicester City v Manchester City
- London City Lionesses v Brighton & Hove Albion
- Manchester United v West Ham United
- Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
- Chelsea v Everton (2.30pm GMT)
Around the Continent:
- Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
- Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)
Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star
The fallout from Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the debate. Has he earned the right to speak out as a bona fide club icon? Or is boss Arne Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to try to win matches?
Views from supporters seems split:
“As a Manchester United supporter. If memory serves, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. This is no way to treat a club legend.”
“Can we pause to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”
What next for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Will he move on loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League after the Africa Cup of Nations?
Sad News from the Championship
A pair of Championship fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.
- The game between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a supporter was taken ill. It was later confirmed the supporter passed away in hospital.
- Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the field unplayable.
There is no word yet on when either game will be rescheduled.