Premier League Buildup alongside FA Cup Round Two Developments and More
Introduction
Morning everyone to another weekend morning. This is your comprehensive matchday live hub, centering on the day's major soccer fixtures. The Premier League presents intriguing contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers and Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership encounter sees Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL games and cup second round drama completes the lineup. As always send us your views telling us your plans for watching the action. Here we go.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah stole the headlines despite was absent in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an stunning attack on boss Arne Slot, accusing him of tossing him “under the bus” after omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the club's poor beginning to the campaign.
“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”
The other significant Premier League story was the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Aston Villa, sealed by Emiliano BuendĂa's winning goal. This outcome, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable victory over Sunderland, makes for a very tight race at the summit of the standings.
Away from the English football, Lionel Messi as ever played the hero for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
Brighton host the Hammers for an afternoon start. The visitors have shown flickers of life since the arrival of manager Nuno EspĂrito Santo. An impressive midweek draw means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in their last five.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last year's cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth straight victory on the road in the league, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their recent travels.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup round two provided plenty of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by advancing to the third round for the first time in their history.
Other notable results featured:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge beat Stockport on penalties.
- Non-league Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham before eventually suffering a 6-2 loss.
Sunday's FA 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 three separate battlegroups forming in this season's top flight.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly vying for the championship.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight section includes several big names, all with designs on the top five. Will any string together a winning run to challenge the top teams?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to avoid the drop likely involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing especially in trouble. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the battle.
Elsewhere in Football
Away from the English top flight and FA Cup, today's fixtures include:
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)
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 the Liverpool forward's comments continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is manager Slot right in doing whatever it takes to try to win matches?
Views from supporters seems split:
“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. This is no way to treat a club legend.”
“Can we take a moment to have sympathy 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 Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he move on loan to a club abroad? Or will he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?
Sad News from the Championship
A pair of second-tier matches were abandoned yesterday.
- The match between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a fan was taken unwell. 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 pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second time this season at the ground – rendered the pitch unplayable.
At this time, there is no word yet on when these matches will be replayed.