Top Flight Preview alongside FA Cup Round Two Updates plus Additional Coverage
Introduction
Hello and welcome on this weekend morning. We bring you your all-in-one matchday live center, focusing on the day's key soccer fixtures. The Premier League presents fascinating matches featuring Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish clash between Celtic and Hearts, alongside WSL games plus FA Cup round two drama rounds out the schedule. Feel free to share your thoughts and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Let's get into it.
Major Stories from Saturday
Liverpool's Egyptian star grabbed the spotlight despite was absent in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Leeds United. He launched an astonishing attack on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” after omission from the first eleven for the third consecutive match. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the club's disappointing beginning to the campaign.
“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”
Another major Premier League development was the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's winning strike. That result, coupled with Manchester City's straightforward victory over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the top of the standings.
Outside the English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever wrote the script for Inter Miami as they lifted the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
Brighton welcome West Ham in a afternoon start. The visitors have shown flickers of improvement under the arrival of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in their last five.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last season's cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth straight victory on the road in the Premier League, having defeated three opponents to nil in their latest travels.
Cup Action Continues
England's famous cup competition round two provided lots of drama yesterday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.
Other standout outcomes included:
- Swindon hammered Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Sixth tier Buxton led against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 loss.
Sunday's cup schedule 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
It appears a trio of distinct mini-leagues developing in this season's Premier League.
- The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently vying for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group contains several big names, all with designs on the European places. Will any string together a winning run to challenge the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to avoid the drop likely concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing especially in trouble. Teams like others could also be dragged into the battle.
Elsewhere in Football
Away from the English top flight and domestic cup, Sunday's schedule feature:
Women's Top Flight: (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 fallout from Mohamed Salah's comments continues. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the argument. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is boss Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to try to win games?
Views from supporters seems split:
“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 legend of the club.”
“Can we pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
What next for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he move on loan to another European club? Or will he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League after the Africa Cup of Nations?
Sad News from the Championship
Two second-tier matches were called off on Saturday.
- The game between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. It was later confirmed the fan died in hospital.
- Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – made the pitch unsuitable.
There is no word yet on when either game will be replayed.