Premier League Buildup and FA Cup Second Round Latest News and More

Opening Thoughts

Hello and welcome to another Sunday morning. This is your all-in-one matchday coverage center, centering on the day's major soccer fixtures. The Premier League presents fascinating matches featuring Brighton & West Ham and Fulham & Crystal Palace. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish clash sees Celtic and Hearts, alongside Women's Super League action plus FA Cup second round drama completes the schedule. We encourage send us your views and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Without further ado.

Major Stories from Saturday

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the headlines even though he not featuring in the Reds' hectic 3-3 draw at Leeds United. Salah delivered an astonishing attack on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” following being left out the first eleven for the third consecutive game. He expressed feeling made a scapegoat for the team'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, perhaps for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”

Another significant top-flight development was Arsenal's injury-time defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, combined with Manchester City's comfortable win over the Black Cats, makes for a very tight race at the top of the standings.

Away from English leagues, Lionel Messi as ever wrote the script for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

Brighton host the Hammers for an afternoon kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of life since the appointment of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable midweek draw means he has presided over a run of only one loss in five games.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last year's cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth straight away win in the league, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

England's famous cup competition round two provided plenty of drama on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls made history by reaching the next round for the first time in their history.

Other standout outcomes featured:

• Swindon Town thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks.
• Sixth tier Buxton FC led against Cheltenham Town before finally suffering a 6-2 loss.

Sunday's cup action features:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT start)
• Boreham Wood v Newport County
• Gateshead v Walsall
• Blackpool v Carlisle United

Developing Mini-Leagues

It appears three distinct battlegroups forming in this campaign's Premier League.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are apparently vying for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested group contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any string together a consistent form to threaten the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to avoid the drop probably involves several clubs, with Wolves looking especially in trouble. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

Outside the Premier League and domestic cup, Sunday's schedule 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)

Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star

The reaction from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. Has he earned the right to speak out as a true Liverpool legend? On the other, is manager Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt 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 club legend.”

“Perhaps we should pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

What next for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to a club abroad? Might he accept a lucrative offer and move to the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?

Matches Abandoned

Two Championship matches were called off on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a fan was taken unwell. It was later announced the fan passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the pitch unplayable.

There is no confirmation on when either game will be rescheduled.