Premier League Build-up alongside FA Cup Round Two Updates and Additional Coverage

Opening Thoughts

Good morning on this weekend day. This is your all-in-one football live center, focusing on the day's major soccer action. The Premier League offers fascinating contests featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside Women's Super League games plus FA Cup second round drama rounds out the lineup. As always send us your views and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Here we go.

Yesterday's Headlines

Mohamed Salah commandeered the headlines even though he was absent in Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Salah delivered an stunning attack on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “to the wolves” after being left out the first eleven for the third consecutive game. He expressed that he felt singled out for blame for the club's disappointing beginning to the season.

“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my professional life. 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 decisive goal. This outcome, combined with Manchester City's straightforward victory over Sunderland, makes for a very tight race at the summit of the standings.

Outside English football, Lionel Messi as ever played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton welcome the Hammers in a afternoon kickoff. West Ham have shown flickers of life under the arrival of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in five games.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth straight victory on the road in the Premier League, having beaten three opponents without conceding in their latest away fixtures.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup round two provided plenty of excitement yesterday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time in their history.

Additional standout results included:

• Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge beat Stockport on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton FC led against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 loss.

Sunday's cup schedule features:

• 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

It appears three distinct mini-leagues developing in this season's top flight.

1. The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently vying for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any string together a consistent form to challenge the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The scrap to stay up probably involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves appearing particularly vulnerable. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

Away from the Premier League and domestic cup, Sunday's schedule include:

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)

The Salah Debate Continues

The reaction from Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. Has he done enough to speak out as a bona fide club icon? Or is boss Slot right in doing whatever it takes to try to win games?

Views from supporters seems divided:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a club legend.”

“Can we take a moment to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's best-paid player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

What next for Mo Salah, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he move on loan to another European club? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League after the Africa Cup of Nations?

Matches Abandoned

A pair of second-tier matches were abandoned on Saturday.

• The match between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later announced the fan passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unsuitable.

At this time, there is no word yet on when these matches will be rescheduled.