Top Flight Build-up and FA Cup Second Round Latest News plus More
Introduction
Morning everyone to another Sunday morning. This is your comprehensive football coverage center, focusing on the day's key football fixtures. The Premier League presents intriguing contests featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter sees Celtic and Hearts, alongside Women's Super League action and FA Cup round two excitement rounds out the schedule. Feel free to send us your views and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Let's get into it.
Yesterday's Headlines
Liverpool's Egyptian star grabbed the headlines even though he not featuring in the Reds' hectic six-goal thriller at Leeds United. Salah delivered an stunning attack on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” following being left out the starting lineup for the third straight game. He expressed feeling singled out for blame for the club's poor beginning to the season.
“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another significant Premier League story saw the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's winning goal. That result, combined with City's comfortable win over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close battle at the summit of the standings.
Away from English football, the Argentine maestro as ever played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
The Seagulls welcome West Ham in a afternoon kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of life since the arrival of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in five games.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last season's cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth successive victory on the road in the Premier League, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup round two provided lots of drama on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare made history by reaching the next round for the first time ever.
Other notable outcomes featured:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge beat Stockport on penalties.
- Sixth tier Buxton led against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 loss.
Today's cup action includes:
- 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 a trio of separate mini-leagues developing in this season's top flight.
- Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are seemingly contending for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group includes several big names, all with aspirations for the European places. Will any string together a consistent form to challenge the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The scrap to stay up probably concerns several clubs, with Wolves appearing especially in trouble. 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 schedule feature:
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)
The Salah Debate Continues
The reaction from the Liverpool forward's comments continues. There are two clear camps to the debate. On one hand, has Salah done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? Or is boss Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?
Views from supporters seems divided:
“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. Not the way to treat a legend of the club.”
“Can we pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
What next for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
A pair of second-tier fixtures were called off on Saturday.
- The match between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a supporter was taken ill. It was later announced the fan died in hospital.
- Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the field unplayable.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when these matches will be replayed.
