Top Flight Buildup alongside Football Association Cup Second Round Developments and More

Opening Thoughts

Good morning to another Sunday morning. We bring you your comprehensive matchday coverage center, centering on today's major football action. The Premier League offers fascinating matches featuring Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with WSL action and cup round two excitement rounds out the schedule. Feel free to get in touch telling us how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.

Yesterday's Headlines

Mohamed Salah commandeered the spotlight even though he not featuring in Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw at Leeds United. He launched an astonishing attack on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” after omission from the starting lineup for the third straight match. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the club's disappointing beginning to the campaign.

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

Another significant top-flight development was the Gunners' injury-time loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. That result, combined with City's straightforward victory over the Black Cats, makes for a incredibly close race at the top of the table.

Outside English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for Inter Miami as they triumphed the league championship, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

Brighton host the Hammers in a 2pm GMT kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of life under the appointment of head coach Nuno. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in five games.

Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last year's cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth straight victory on the road in the league, having beaten three opponents without conceding in their recent away fixtures.

The FA Cup Second Round

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

Other notable results included:

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

Sunday's cup schedule features:

• 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

There seems to be a trio of separate mini-leagues forming in this season's top flight.

1. The Title Race: The current leading pack are apparently contending for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A very tight group includes several big names, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any string together a winning run to threaten the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to stay up probably involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing particularly vulnerable. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the battle.

Other Matches Today

Away from the Premier League and FA Cup, today's fixtures feature:

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)

European Football:

• 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. There are two distinct sides to the debate. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to voice his frustration as a true club icon? Or is boss Slot right in doing whatever it takes to try to win games?

Views from supporters appears split:

“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. This is no way to treat a legend of the club.”

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

What next for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League after the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

Two Championship fixtures were abandoned yesterday.

• The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later announced the supporter passed away 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 time this season at the ground – made the pitch unplayable.

There is no word yet on when either game will be replayed.