Top Flight Buildup alongside Football Association Cup Round Two Latest News plus More
Introduction
Hello and welcome on this weekend morning. We bring you your comprehensive football live hub, focusing on today's major football action. The Premier League offers fascinating matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter between Celtic and Hearts, alongside Women's Super League games plus FA Cup round two drama rounds out the lineup. Feel free to send us your views and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.
Major Stories from Saturday
Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the spotlight despite not featuring in the Reds' hectic 3-3 draw at Leeds United. Salah delivered an astonishing attack on boss Arne Slot, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” after omission from the first eleven for the third straight match. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the team's poor beginning to the campaign.
“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”
The other major Premier League story was the Gunners' injury-time loss at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's winning strike. That result, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable victory over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close race at the top of the standings.
Outside the English leagues, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for Inter Miami as they triumphed the league championship, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
Brighton host the Hammers for an afternoon start. West Ham have displayed signs of life since the arrival of manager Nuno. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their recent away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup second round provided plenty of excitement yesterday. National League South side the Seagulls made history by advancing to the third round for the first time in their history.
Additional standout outcomes included:
- Swindon Town thrashed Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United beat Stockport on penalties.
- Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham before eventually suffering a 6-2 loss.
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
There seems to be three distinct battlegroups developing in this campaign's top flight.
- The Title Race: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the championship.
- The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Will any string together a winning run to threaten the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up probably involves several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking particularly in trouble. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the battle.
Elsewhere in Football
Outside the English top flight and domestic cup, today'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)
European Football:
- Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
- Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)
The Salah Debate Continues
The reaction from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview rages on. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. Has he done enough to speak out as a true Liverpool legend? On the other, is boss Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to try to win matches?
Fan opinion appears divided:
“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a club legend.”
“Perhaps we should take a moment to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's best-paid player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Could he seek a loan to a club abroad? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and move to Saudi Arabia following the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
Two second-tier matches were abandoned on Saturday.
- The match between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a fan was taken unwell. It was later announced the fan died in hospital.
- Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – rendered the field unsuitable.
There is no confirmation on when either game will be replayed.
