Premier League Buildup alongside FA Cup Second Round Updates plus Additional Coverage
Preamble
Hello and welcome to another Sunday morning. We bring you your comprehensive football live hub, highlighting the day's major soccer fixtures. England's top division offers fascinating contests between Brighton & West Ham as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a crucial Scottish encounter between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with Women's Super League games plus cup second round drama rounds out the lineup. We encourage get in touch telling us how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah stole the spotlight even though he not featuring in Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw at Leeds United. Salah delivered an astonishing critique on boss the Dutch coach, accusing him of throwing him “to the wolves” after omission from the first eleven for the third straight game. He expressed feeling singled out for blame for the team's disappointing start to the season.
“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”
Another major Premier League story saw the Gunners' injury-time loss at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, combined with Manchester City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, has left a very tight race at the summit of the standings.
Away from the English football, the Argentine maestro as ever wrote the script for Inter Miami as they lifted the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
The Seagulls welcome West Ham in a afternoon start. West Ham have displayed signs of improvement under the arrival of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having beaten three opponents without conceding in their latest away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup round two provided plenty of drama yesterday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by reaching the next round for the first time in their history.
Additional notable results included:
- Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge beat Stockport on spot-kicks.
- Sixth tier Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Sunday's cup schedule includes:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT kickoff)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
The Premier League's Three Tiers
It appears three distinct mini-leagues developing in this season's Premier League.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently vying for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight group contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Will any string together a winning run to threaten the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The scrap to avoid the drop probably concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially in trouble. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the fight.
Other Matches Today
Away from the English top flight and FA Cup, today's schedule 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)
Around the Continent:
- Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
- Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)
Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star
The reaction from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview rages on. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the argument. Has he earned the right to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? Or is manager Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win matches?
Views from supporters appears divided:
“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a club legend.”
“Can we take a moment to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
What next for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Will he move on loan to another European club? Or will he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League after the Africa Cup of Nations?
Sad News from the Championship
Two second-tier fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.
- The match between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. It was later announced the fan died in hospital.
- Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unplayable.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when these matches will be replayed.
