Premier League Build-up and Football Association Cup Second Round Latest News plus More
Introduction
Morning everyone on this weekend day. We bring you your comprehensive matchday live center, centering on the day's major soccer fixtures. England's top division presents intriguing matches featuring Brighton & West Ham as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League action and FA Cup round two drama rounds out the schedule. We encourage get in touch and let us know your plans for watching the action. Let's get into it.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah grabbed the headlines despite not featuring in Liverpool's thrilling six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an astonishing attack on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” after being left out the starting lineup for the third straight match. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the club's disappointing beginning to the season.
“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another significant top-flight story was the Gunners' injury-time loss at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. That result, coupled with City's comfortable victory over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close race at the top of the standings.
Away from the English leagues, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they triumphed the league championship, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
The Seagulls host the Hammers in a afternoon start. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement under the arrival of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in their last five.
Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last year's cup quarter-final. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth straight victory on the road in the league, having beaten three opponents without conceding in their latest travels.
The FA Cup Second Round
England's famous cup competition round two delivered plenty of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by advancing to the third round for the first time ever.
Additional standout outcomes featured:
- Swindon Town thrashed Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge defeated Stockport on spot-kicks.
- Sixth tier Buxton led against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 loss.
Today's cup action features:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early start)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
Developing Mini-Leagues
It appears three separate battlegroups forming in this season's top flight.
- Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight section includes several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any string together a consistent form to challenge the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The scrap to stay up likely concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be sucked into the battle.
Other Matches Today
Outside the English top flight and domestic cup, Sunday's schedule feature:
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 fallout from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview continues. There are two distinct sides to the debate. On one hand, has Salah done enough to speak out as a true Liverpool legend? Or is boss Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win games?
Views from supporters seems divided:
“United fan here. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was PFA 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 take a moment to have sympathy 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.”
What next for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be burned. Will he seek a loan to another European club? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League following the Africa Cup of Nations?
Matches Abandoned
Two Championship matches were abandoned 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 announced the supporter passed away in hospital.
- Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – made the pitch unsuitable.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when either game will be rescheduled.
