Premier League Buildup alongside Football Association Cup Round Two Latest News plus Additional Coverage
Opening Thoughts
Morning everyone to another weekend day. This is your comprehensive matchday live hub, focusing on the day's major soccer action. England's top division presents intriguing contests featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers and Fulham & Crystal Palace. Additionally, a crucial Scottish encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside Women's Super League action plus FA Cup round two drama rounds out the lineup. As always get in touch and let us know how you'll be following the action. Let's get into it.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah commandeered the spotlight despite not featuring in Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an stunning critique on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” after omission from the starting lineup for the third straight game. He expressed that he felt made a scapegoat for the club's poor 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 time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another major top-flight development was the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. That result, combined with Manchester City's comfortable victory over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close battle at the summit of the table.
Outside the English football, Lionel Messi as ever wrote the script for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
The Seagulls host West Ham in a 2pm GMT start. West Ham have shown flickers of life under the appointment 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 FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth straight away win in the league, having defeated three opponents to nil in their latest away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup second round provided plenty of drama on Saturday. National League South side the Seagulls made history by reaching the next round for the first time ever.
Additional notable outcomes featured:
- Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge beat Stockport County on penalties.
- Non-league Buxton led against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 loss.
Sunday's cup action features:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT kickoff)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
Developing Mini-Leagues
It appears a trio of distinct mini-leagues developing in this season's top flight.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently vying for the championship.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any string together a winning run to threaten the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The scrap to avoid the drop likely concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing particularly in trouble. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the fight.
Other Matches Today
Outside the Premier League and domestic cup, Sunday's fixtures 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)
Around the Continent:
- Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
- Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)
Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star
The reaction from Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the argument. Has he earned the right to speak out as a true Liverpool legend? Or is manager Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?
Fan opinion seems divided:
“United fan here. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was PFA 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 take a moment 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.”
The big question for Mo Salah, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Will he move on loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League after the Africa Cup of Nations?
Sad News from the Championship
Two Championship fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.
- The match between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a fan was taken unwell. It was later announced the supporter died 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 replayed.
