Top Flight Buildup alongside Football Association Cup Second Round Developments and More

Preamble

Morning everyone on this weekend day. This is your comprehensive matchday live hub, highlighting the day's key football fixtures. The Premier League offers fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish encounter sees the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League action and cup round two drama completes the schedule. Feel free to send us your views and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Here we go.

Major Stories from Saturday

Liverpool's Egyptian star grabbed the spotlight even though he was absent in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Salah delivered an remarkable critique on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” following omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. The player stated feeling made a scapegoat for the team's disappointing start to the season.

“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”

The other significant Premier League story saw Arsenal's last-gasp defeat at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, combined with Manchester City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, makes for a incredibly close battle at the summit of the standings.

Away from the English football, Lionel Messi once again played the hero for his MLS side as they triumphed the league championship, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

The Seagulls welcome West Ham in a afternoon start. West Ham have shown flickers of improvement since the appointment of head coach Nuno. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in their last five.

Fulham versus 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 Premier League, having defeated three opponents to nil in their latest away fixtures.

Cup Action Continues

The FA Cup second round provided plenty of excitement yesterday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.

Other notable outcomes included:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United defeated Stockport on penalties.
• Non-league Buxton FC led against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 loss.

Today's cup action features:

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

The Premier League's Three Tiers

It appears three separate mini-leagues forming in this season's top flight.

1. The Title Race: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested section contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the top five. Will any string together a consistent form to challenge the top teams?
3. The Relegation Battle: The scrap to stay up probably concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially in trouble. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Outside the Premier League 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)

European Football:

• Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
• Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)

Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star

The reaction from the Liverpool forward's explosive interview continues. There are two clear camps to the argument. Has he done enough to speak out as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is boss Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win matches?

Views from supporters appears 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. Not the way to treat a club legend.”

“Can we take a moment 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.”

The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Or will he take the pay day and move to Saudi Arabia following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Matches Abandoned

Two Championship matches were abandoned yesterday.

• The match between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later confirmed the supporter died in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the field unplayable.

There is no word yet on when either game will be replayed.