🔗 Share this article

Introduction

Morning everyone on this weekend morning. This is your all-in-one football coverage center, highlighting today's key football action. England's top division offers fascinating matches featuring Brighton & West Ham as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with Women's Super League action and FA Cup second round excitement rounds out the lineup. We encourage share your thoughts and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Here we go.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star grabbed the spotlight even though he was absent in Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an remarkable critique on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” following omission from the first eleven for the third straight match. He expressed that he felt made a scapegoat for the team's poor beginning to the campaign.

“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”

The other major top-flight story saw the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, coupled with City's comfortable win over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the summit of the standings.

Outside English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever 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

Brighton welcome West Ham for an afternoon kickoff. The visitors have shown flickers of life since the appointment of head coach Nuno. 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 quarter-final. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth successive away win in the Premier League, having beaten three opponents without conceding in their recent away fixtures.

Cup Action Continues

England's famous cup competition round two provided plenty of excitement yesterday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by reaching the next round for the first time in their history.

Additional standout outcomes included:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge defeated Stockport on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham before eventually suffering a 6-2 defeat.

Today's FA Cup schedule features:

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

The Premier League's Three Tiers

It appears a trio of distinct battlegroups forming in this campaign'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 includes 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?
3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to stay up probably involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves appearing particularly vulnerable. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

Outside the Premier League and domestic cup, Sunday'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)

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 explosive interview continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a true club icon? Or is manager Arne Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to try to win matches?

Fan opinion seems divided:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If I’m not mistaken, 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 have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is presently Liverpool's best-paid player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for Mo Salah, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and move to Saudi Arabia after the Africa Cup of Nations?

Matches Abandoned

Two Championship fixtures were called off yesterday.

• The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a fan was taken unwell. It was later announced the fan passed away 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 – made the pitch unplayable.

At this time, there is no confirmation on when either game will be replayed.