Top Flight Buildup and FA Cup Round Two Updates and More

Opening Thoughts

Good morning to another weekend day. We bring you your comprehensive football coverage center, highlighting the day's major soccer fixtures. The Premier League offers fascinating matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with WSL action plus cup second round drama completes the schedule. As always send us your views telling us how you'll be following the action. Without further ado.

Yesterday's Headlines

Mohamed Salah grabbed the headlines even though he was absent in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Elland Road. Salah delivered an remarkable critique on boss Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” after omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. He expressed feeling made a scapegoat for the team's poor start to the season.

“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”

The other significant Premier League development was the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's winning strike. That result, combined with City's comfortable victory over Sunderland, makes for a very tight battle at the summit of the standings.

Outside the English leagues, Lionel Messi as ever wrote the script for his MLS side as they triumphed the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton welcome West Ham in a afternoon start. The visitors have displayed signs of life since the appointment of head coach Nuno. A creditable midweek draw means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in their last five.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last season's FA Cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth straight victory on the road in the Premier League, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest away fixtures.

Cup Action Continues

The FA Cup round two delivered plenty of drama yesterday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time ever.

Other notable results included:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge defeated Stockport on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 defeat.

Today's FA Cup action includes:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (early start)
• Boreham Wood v Newport County
• Gateshead v Walsall
• Blackpool v Carlisle United

The Premier League's Three Tiers

It appears a trio of distinct mini-leagues developing in this season's top flight.

1. The Title Race: The current leading pack are seemingly contending for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group includes several big names, all with designs on the top five. Can any string together a consistent form to threaten the top teams?
3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to avoid the drop likely concerns several clubs, with Wolves looking especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be sucked into the battle.

Other Matches Today

Away from the English top flight and domestic cup, Sunday'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)

European Football:

• Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
• Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)

Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star

The reaction from the Liverpool forward's comments continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to voice his frustration as a true club icon? Or is boss Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?

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. Not the way to treat a legend of the club.”

“Perhaps we should pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is presently Liverpool's best-paid player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

What next for Mo Salah, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Will he seek a loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and head for Saudi Arabia after the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

Two second-tier matches were abandoned on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a supporter was taken ill. It was later announced the supporter died 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 – rendered the field unplayable.

At this time, there is no confirmation on when these matches will be replayed.