Top Flight Build-up alongside Football Association Cup Round Two Updates and More

Opening Thoughts

Good morning to another weekend morning. We bring you your comprehensive matchday coverage hub, highlighting the day's key football action. England's top division presents fascinating contests featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with WSL games plus FA Cup second round drama completes the schedule. We encourage get in touch and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the spotlight despite not featuring in the Reds' hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an stunning critique on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” following being left out the starting lineup for the third straight match. The player stated that he felt made a scapegoat for the team's disappointing beginning to the campaign.

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

Another significant top-flight development saw the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's winning goal. That result, coupled with Manchester City's straightforward victory over Sunderland, makes for a very tight battle at the summit of the table.

Away from English football, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

Brighton host West Ham in a 2pm GMT start. West Ham have displayed signs of improvement since the arrival of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of only one loss in five games.

Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last year's FA Cup quarter-final. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth straight victory on the road in the league, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their recent travels.

Cup Action Continues

England's famous cup competition second round delivered plenty of drama on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare made history by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.

Other notable results included:

• Swindon hammered Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge beat Stockport on spot-kicks.
• Sixth tier Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham before eventually enduring a 6-2 loss.

Today's FA Cup action features:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (early kickoff)
• 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 battlegroups forming in this season's top flight.

1. The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly contending for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A very tight group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the top five. Can any put together a consistent form to threaten the top teams?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up likely concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking particularly vulnerable. Teams like others could also be sucked into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

Outside the Premier League and domestic cup, today'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)

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 explosive interview continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the debate. On one hand, has Salah done enough to speak out as a bona fide club icon? Or is boss Slot right in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win matches?

Fan opinion seems divided:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If memory serves, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. Not the way to treat a club legend.”

“Can we take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's best-paid player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

The big question 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 move to Saudi Arabia after the AFCON?

Matches Abandoned

A pair of Championship matches were abandoned on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later announced the supporter passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the pitch unplayable.

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