Top Flight Preview and Football Association Cup Round Two Latest News and More
Introduction
Morning everyone on this Sunday morning. We bring you your comprehensive matchday coverage center, focusing on the day's major football fixtures. The Premier League offers fascinating contests featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish clash between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL games plus cup round two drama completes the schedule. We encourage share your thoughts and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.
Yesterday's Headlines
Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the headlines even though he was absent in Liverpool's thrilling six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an stunning critique on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “to the wolves” following omission from the first eleven for the third straight game. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the team's poor start to the campaign.
“I can’t believe … 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.”
Another significant Premier League story was Arsenal's last-gasp defeat at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. That result, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the top of the table.
Away from English football, Lionel Messi as ever played the hero for his MLS side as they triumphed the league championship, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
Brighton host the Hammers in a afternoon start. West Ham have displayed signs of life since 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 five games.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last season's FA Cup quarter-final. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their latest away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
England's famous cup competition round two provided plenty of drama on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by advancing to the third round for the first time in their history.
Additional standout outcomes included:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United defeated Stockport on spot-kicks.
- Non-league Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham before eventually suffering a 6-2 loss.
Sunday's cup schedule features:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early start)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
Developing Mini-Leagues
There seems to be three separate battlegroups developing in this season's Premier League.
- The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly contending for the championship.
- The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested section contains several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Will any string together a consistent form to threaten the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The scrap to stay up likely concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves looking especially in trouble. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the battle.
Other Matches Today
Outside the Premier League and FA Cup, Sunday's fixtures include:
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)
The Salah Debate Continues
The reaction from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview 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 Liverpool legend? Or is boss Arne Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win games?
Views from supporters appears split:
“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a legend of the club.”
“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 the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he move on loan to a club abroad? Might he accept a lucrative offer and move to Saudi Arabia after the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
Two Championship matches were abandoned yesterday.
- The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a fan was taken ill. It was later announced the supporter 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 pitch unsuitable.
At this time, there is no word yet on when either game will be rescheduled.