Top Flight Buildup and Football Association Cup Round Two Developments plus Additional Coverage
Introduction
Morning everyone to another weekend morning. This is your comprehensive matchday live center, centering on the day's major football fixtures. England's top division offers fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish clash sees Celtic and Hearts, alongside Women's Super League games plus cup round two excitement completes the schedule. Feel free to get in touch telling us how you'll be following the action. Without further ado.
Major Stories from Saturday
Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the spotlight despite was absent in Liverpool's thrilling six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an astonishing attack on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” after being left out the first eleven for the third consecutive game. He expressed that he felt made a scapegoat for the team's poor beginning to the campaign.
“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another major top-flight development saw Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's winning goal. That result, combined with Manchester City's straightforward victory over the Black Cats, makes for a very tight battle at the top of the table.
Away from English leagues, Lionel Messi as ever played the hero for his MLS side as they triumphed the league championship, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
Brighton host West Ham for an 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have shown flickers of life under the arrival of head coach Nuno. A creditable midweek draw means he has overseen a run of only one loss in their last five.
Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last year's cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth successive victory on the road in the Premier League, having beaten three opponents without conceding in their latest away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup second round provided lots of excitement yesterday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls made history by advancing to the third round for the first time ever.
Other standout outcomes included:
- Swindon Town thrashed Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge defeated Stockport on spot-kicks.
- Non-league Buxton led against Cheltenham before eventually suffering a 6-2 defeat.
Sunday's FA Cup action features:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early start)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
The Premier League's Three Tiers
It appears three distinct battlegroups developing in this season's Premier League.
- Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are apparently vying for the championship.
- The Mid-Table Scramble: A very tight section contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the top five. Will any string together a winning run to threaten the top teams?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to avoid the drop likely involves several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing especially in trouble. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the battle.
Elsewhere in Football
Away from the English top flight and FA Cup, today's schedule 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 fallout from Mohamed Salah's comments continues. There are two distinct sides to the argument. Has he earned the right to speak out as a bona fide Liverpool legend? On the other, is manager Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?
Fan opinion appears divided:
“United fan here. 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.”
“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 Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be burned. Will he seek a loan to a club abroad? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for Saudi Arabia following the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
Two second-tier 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 unwell. It was later confirmed the fan died in hospital.
- Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – rendered the field unsuitable.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when these matches will be replayed.