Premier League Preview and FA Cup Round Two Latest News plus More

Preamble

Hello and welcome on this weekend morning. This is your all-in-one football live hub, centering on the day's major football action. The Premier League offers intriguing matches featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers and Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish encounter sees the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League action and FA Cup second round drama completes the schedule. As always get in touch and let us know your plans for watching the action. Without further ado.

Yesterday's Headlines

Mohamed Salah commandeered the spotlight despite not featuring in the Reds' thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Salah delivered an astonishing attack on manager the Dutch coach, accusing him of tossing him “to the wolves” following being left out the starting lineup for the third straight game. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the club'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 occasion in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”

Another major top-flight story saw Arsenal's injury-time loss at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, combined with City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, has left a very tight battle at the summit of the table.

Away from the English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton welcome West Ham for an 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of life since the arrival of head coach Nuno. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in five games.

Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last year's cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth straight victory on the road in the Premier League, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their recent travels.

Cup Action Continues

The FA Cup round two provided lots of excitement yesterday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare made history by reaching the third round for the first time ever.

Additional notable results featured:

• Swindon Town thrashed Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks.
• Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 loss.

Today's cup schedule features:

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

Developing Mini-Leagues

It appears three distinct mini-leagues developing in this campaign's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are apparently contending for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A very tight section includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the European places. Can any put together a winning run to challenge the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up probably involves several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially vulnerable. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Away from the English top flight and domestic cup, Sunday's schedule 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)

Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star

The fallout from the Liverpool forward's explosive interview rages on. There are two distinct sides to the debate. Has he earned the right to speak out as a true club icon? Or is manager Arne Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win games?

Fan opinion seems divided:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If memory serves, Salah was the players' 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's probably overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

What next for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be burned. Could he move on loan to a club abroad? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for Saudi Arabia following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

A pair of Championship matches were called off yesterday.

• The game between Charlton Athletic 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 Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the pitch unsuitable.

There is no confirmation on when either game will be rescheduled.