🔗 Share this article

Introduction

Good morning to another Sunday day. We bring you your comprehensive football coverage hub, centering on the day's major soccer fixtures. England's top division offers intriguing matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with Women's Super League games and cup second round drama completes the schedule. Feel free to share your thoughts and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Let's get into it.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the spotlight even though he was absent in the Reds' thrilling 3-3 draw at Leeds United. He launched an stunning critique on boss the Dutch coach, accusing him of tossing him “to the wolves” following being left out the starting lineup for the third consecutive match. 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, I think for the first occasion in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”

Another major Premier League development was the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emi Buendía's winning strike. This outcome, coupled with City's comfortable victory over Sunderland, has left a very tight race at the summit of the table.

Outside the English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

The Seagulls host the Hammers for an 2pm GMT start. The visitors have displayed signs of life under the arrival of manager Nuno. An impressive midweek draw means he has overseen a run of only one loss in their last five.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last year's cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having defeated three opponents to nil in their latest travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

England's famous cup competition second round provided lots of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare made history by advancing to the third round for the first time in their history.

Other notable outcomes featured:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge defeated Stockport on spot-kicks.
• Non-league Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham before finally enduring a 6-2 loss.

Sunday's cup schedule features:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT kickoff)
• 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 battlegroups forming in this campaign's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly contending for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A very tight section contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the top five. Will any string together a winning run to threaten the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The scrap to stay up likely concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing particularly vulnerable. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Outside the English top flight and FA Cup, Sunday's fixtures 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)

The Salah Debate Continues

The reaction from Mohamed Salah's comments continues. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the debate. Has he earned the right to speak out as a true Liverpool legend? Or is boss Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win games?

Views from supporters seems divided:

“As a Manchester United supporter. 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 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... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

What next for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Will he move on loan to another European club? Or will he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

A pair of Championship matches were called off on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later confirmed the supporter died in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the pitch unsuitable.

There is no word yet on when these matches will be replayed.