🔗 Share this article

Introduction

Good morning to another Sunday day. This is your all-in-one football coverage center, focusing on today's key soccer fixtures. The Premier League presents fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash sees Celtic and Hearts, alongside WSL games plus cup second round excitement completes the schedule. We encourage share your thoughts telling us your plans for watching the action. Without further ado.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the headlines even though he did not play in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Elland Road. Salah delivered an remarkable attack on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” after omission from the first eleven for the third straight game. He expressed that he felt singled out for blame for the team's disappointing start to the campaign.

“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”

The other significant Premier League story saw the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. That result, combined with Manchester City's straightforward win over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close battle at the top of the standings.

Outside English leagues, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they triumphed the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

The Seagulls welcome the Hammers for an afternoon start. West Ham have displayed signs of life under the appointment of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive midweek draw means he has presided over a run of only one loss in five games.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last year's cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth successive away win in the Premier League, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their recent away fixtures.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup round two delivered lots of drama yesterday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.

Additional notable outcomes included:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks.
• Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 loss.

Today's FA Cup action features:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT start)
• Boreham Wood v Newport County
• Gateshead v Walsall
• Blackpool v Carlisle United

Developing Mini-Leagues

There seems to be three distinct mini-leagues developing in this campaign's Premier League.

1. Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group includes several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any put together a winning run to threaten the top teams?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up probably involves several clubs, with Wolves looking particularly vulnerable. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

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)

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 explosive interview continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the debate. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to speak out as a true Liverpool legend? Or is manager Slot right in doing whatever it takes to try to win matches?

Views from supporters seems divided:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If memory serves, 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.”

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

The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he move on loan to another European club? Or will he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?

Matches Abandoned

Two second-tier matches were abandoned yesterday.

• 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 supporter passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unplayable.

There is no confirmation on when these matches will be rescheduled.