Premier League Build-up alongside FA Cup Second Round Developments and Additional Coverage
Preamble
Morning everyone to another Sunday morning. We bring you your comprehensive matchday live center, highlighting today's major soccer action. The Premier League presents intriguing contests between Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League action plus cup second round drama rounds out the lineup. As always get in touch and let us know how you'll be following the action. Without further ado.
Major Stories from Saturday
Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the headlines despite did not play in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an remarkable attack on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” following omission from the first eleven for the third straight match. He expressed feeling made a scapegoat for the club's poor start to the campaign.
“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”
Another major top-flight story was the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. That result, combined with City's comfortable win over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close battle at the top of the table.
Away from English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for his MLS side as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
The Seagulls welcome the Hammers for an afternoon start. West Ham have displayed signs of improvement under the arrival of head coach Nuno. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last season's FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth straight away win in the Premier League, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their recent away fixtures.
The FA Cup Second Round
England's famous cup competition second round provided lots of drama yesterday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time ever.
Additional notable outcomes included:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United defeated Stockport on spot-kicks.
- Non-league Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham Town before eventually suffering a 6-2 loss.
Today's FA Cup action 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
There seems to be a trio of distinct mini-leagues forming in this campaign's top flight.
- The Title Race: The current leading pack are apparently contending for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Will any string together a consistent form to challenge the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up likely involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves appearing particularly vulnerable. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the fight.
Elsewhere in Football
Outside the English top flight and FA 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 the Liverpool forward's comments continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. On one hand, has Salah done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is manager Slot right in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win matches?
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 the main target. This is no way to treat a club legend.”
“Perhaps we should take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for Mo Salah, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be burned. Will he seek a loan to another European club? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and head for Saudi Arabia following the AFCON?
Sad News from the Championship
Two Championship matches were called off on Saturday.
- The match between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the early stages 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 playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unplayable.
There is no confirmation on when these matches will be replayed.