Premier League Preview and Football Association Cup Second Round Updates and Additional Coverage
Introduction
Morning everyone on this Sunday day. This is your all-in-one matchday coverage hub, centering on the day's major soccer action. England's top division offers intriguing matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside WSL action plus cup second round excitement rounds out the schedule. As always send us your views telling us how you'll be following the action. Here we go.
Major Stories from Saturday
Mohamed Salah stole the spotlight despite did not play in Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an stunning attack on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of throwing him “to the wolves” following being left out the first eleven for the third straight match. He expressed that he felt made a scapegoat for the team's disappointing beginning to the season.
“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another major top-flight story was the Gunners' last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive strike. That result, combined with Manchester City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, makes for a incredibly close battle at the summit of the standings.
Outside English leagues, Lionel Messi as ever wrote the script for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
The Seagulls welcome West Ham for an 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of life since the arrival of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable midweek draw means he has overseen 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. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth straight victory on the road in the Premier League, having defeated three opponents to nil in their recent away fixtures.
The FA Cup Second Round
England's famous cup competition round two 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.
Additional notable outcomes included:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United defeated Stockport on penalties.
- Sixth tier Buxton FC led against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Today's FA Cup action includes:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early kickoff)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
Developing Mini-Leagues
It appears a trio of separate battlegroups forming in this season's top flight.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the championship.
- The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested group contains several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Will any put together a winning run to threaten the elite?
- The Relegation Battle: The scrap to avoid the drop probably involves several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially vulnerable. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the battle.
Other Matches Today
Outside the Premier League and domestic 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)
The Salah Debate Continues
The reaction from Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a true club icon? On the other, is boss Arne Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?
Fan opinion appears split:
“United fan here. If I’m not mistaken, 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 club legend.”
“Can we take a moment to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for Mo Salah, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Will he move on loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
Two Championship matches were called off on Saturday.
- The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a fan was taken ill. It was later confirmed the supporter died in hospital.
- Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the pitch unplayable.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when these matches will be rescheduled.