Top Flight Buildup alongside FA Cup Second Round Updates and More

Opening Thoughts

Morning everyone to another Sunday day. We bring you your all-in-one football live hub, highlighting today's major football action. The Premier League offers fascinating matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a crucial Scottish clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside Women's Super League games and FA Cup round two excitement completes the schedule. We encourage get in touch and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.

Yesterday's Headlines

Mohamed Salah grabbed the headlines despite not featuring in the Reds' hectic 3-3 draw at Leeds United. Salah delivered an remarkable attack on manager Arne Slot, accusing him of tossing him “to the wolves” following omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive match. He expressed that he felt made a scapegoat for the team's disappointing beginning to the season.

“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”

The other significant top-flight story was the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. That result, combined with City's straightforward victory over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close battle at the summit of the table.

Away from the English football, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for Inter Miami as they triumphed the league championship, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton host West Ham for an afternoon start. West Ham have displayed signs of life since the arrival of manager Nuno. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in five games.

Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last season's FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth straight away win in the league, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their latest away fixtures.

The FA Cup Second Round

England's famous cup competition second round provided lots of excitement yesterday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time ever.

Additional standout results included:

• Swindon Town thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge beat Stockport County on penalties.
• Non-league Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally suffering a 6-2 defeat.

Sunday's cup schedule 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 three separate mini-leagues developing in this season's Premier League.

1. The Title Race: The current leading pack are apparently vying for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested section contains several big names, all with designs on the top five. Can any string together a winning run to challenge the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up probably concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing particularly vulnerable. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Away from the English top flight and domestic cup, today's fixtures 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 reaction from Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. There are two distinct sides to the debate. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to speak out as a true Liverpool legend? Or is boss Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?

Fan opinion appears divided:

“United fan here. If I’m not mistaken, 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.”

“Perhaps we should pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Will he move on loan to a club abroad? Might he take the pay day and head for Saudi Arabia following the AFCON?

Sad News from the Championship

A pair of second-tier fixtures 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 announced 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 – made the pitch unsuitable.

There is no confirmation on when these matches will be replayed.