Top Flight Preview and Football Association Cup Second Round Latest News plus More
Introduction
Good morning to another Sunday morning. We bring you your comprehensive football live center, focusing on today's key soccer fixtures. The Premier League presents intriguing contests between Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter sees Celtic and Hearts, coupled with Women's Super League action plus FA Cup round two drama rounds out the lineup. We encourage send us your views telling us how you'll be following today's games. Let's get into it.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah grabbed the spotlight despite was absent in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an stunning attack on boss Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” following omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive match. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the team's disappointing start to the season.
“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”
Another major Premier League development saw Arsenal's injury-time loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano BuendĂa's winning strike. That result, combined with City's straightforward victory over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close battle at the top of the standings.
Outside the English football, the Argentine maestro as ever wrote the script for his MLS side as they triumphed the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
Brighton welcome West Ham in a afternoon start. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement under the arrival of manager Nuno. An impressive midweek draw means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last season's FA Cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth straight victory on the road in the Premier League, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their latest away fixtures.
The FA Cup Second Round
England's famous cup competition second round delivered plenty of excitement yesterday. National League South side the Seagulls made history by reaching the third round for the first time ever.
Other standout outcomes featured:
- Swindon Town hammered Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United defeated Stockport on penalties.
- Sixth tier Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Sunday'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
There seems to be a trio of distinct battlegroups developing in this season's Premier League.
- The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly vying for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested section includes several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Will any put together a consistent form to threaten the elite?
- The Relegation Battle: The scrap to avoid the drop likely concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves looking especially in trouble. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the fight.
Elsewhere in Football
Outside the English top flight and FA Cup, today's fixtures 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)
European Football:
- Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
- Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)
Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star
The fallout from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview continues. There are two distinct sides to the argument. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a true Liverpool legend? Or is boss Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?
Fan opinion seems split:
“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. This is no way to treat a legend of the club.”
“Perhaps we should take a moment to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's best-paid player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”
What next for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he move on loan to another European club? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and move to the Saudi Pro League after the Africa Cup of Nations?
Matches Abandoned
Two second-tier matches were called off yesterday.
- The game between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later announced the supporter died in hospital.
- Blackburn Rovers'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 unsuitable.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when these matches will be replayed.