Premier League Build-up alongside Football Association Cup Round Two Updates plus Additional Coverage
Preamble
Hello and welcome on this weekend day. We bring you your all-in-one football live hub, centering on today's major football action. England's top division offers intriguing contests featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish clash between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL games and cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. We encourage share your thoughts and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Let's get into it.
Yesterday's Headlines
Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the headlines despite did not play in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an remarkable critique on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” after being left out the first eleven for the third straight match. He expressed feeling singled out for blame for the club's disappointing start to the season.
“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”
Another major top-flight development saw Arsenal's injury-time loss at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's winning goal. This outcome, combined with City's comfortable victory over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close race at the summit of the standings.
Outside English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever wrote the script for Inter Miami as they lifted the league championship, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
Brighton welcome the Hammers in a 2pm GMT kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of life since the appointment of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of just one defeat 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 league, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their recent away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
England's famous cup competition second round provided lots of drama yesterday. Sixth-tier 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 Town thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge beat Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Sixth tier Buxton FC led against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Today's cup action includes:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early kickoff)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
Developing Mini-Leagues
There seems to be three separate battlegroups forming in this season's top flight.
- The Title Race: The current leading pack are seemingly contending for the championship.
- The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the top five. Can any string together a consistent form to threaten the elite?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up probably concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing particularly vulnerable. Teams like others could also be sucked into the battle.
Other Matches Today
Outside the English top flight and FA Cup, Sunday's fixtures 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)
The Salah Debate Continues
The fallout from Mohamed Salah's comments continues. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the argument. On one hand, has Salah done enough to speak out as a bona fide Liverpool legend? Or is boss Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?
Fan opinion appears 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 legend of the club.”
“Perhaps we should pause to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
What next for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Will he move on loan to a club abroad? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for Saudi Arabia following the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
Two Championship matches were called off yesterday.
- The match between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. It was later announced 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 time this season at the ground – rendered the field unplayable.
There is no confirmation on when either game will be replayed.