Premier League Build-up and FA Cup Round Two Updates plus Additional Coverage
Introduction
Morning everyone to another weekend morning. This is your comprehensive matchday coverage center, centering on the day's major football action. England's top division offers intriguing contests featuring Brighton & West Ham as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash sees Celtic and Hearts, coupled with Women's Super League action and FA Cup round two drama rounds out the schedule. As always share your thoughts telling us how you'll be following the action. Here we go.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah stole the spotlight despite not featuring in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Elland Road. Salah delivered an stunning attack on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “to the wolves” after being left out the starting lineup for the third straight game. He expressed that he felt made a scapegoat for the club's poor start to the campaign.
“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another major Premier League development saw Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable win over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close battle 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
The Seagulls host West Ham for an 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement under the appointment of manager Nuno. A creditable midweek draw means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in their last five.
Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last season's cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth straight away win in the league, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest travels.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup second round delivered lots of drama on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare made history by advancing to the next round for the first time ever.
Additional standout results featured:
- Swindon hammered Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 loss.
Sunday's FA Cup action includes:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early kickoff)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
Developing Mini-Leagues
It appears a trio of distinct battlegroups developing in this season's top flight.
- The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly contending for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group contains several big names, all with aspirations for the European places. Will any string together a consistent form to challenge the top teams?
- The Fight for Survival: The scrap to stay up likely involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves looking especially in trouble. Teams like others could also be sucked into the battle.
Elsewhere in Football
Outside the English top flight and domestic cup, today'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)
Around the Continent:
- 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 rages on. There are two distinct sides to the debate. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? Or is boss Slot right in doing whatever it takes to try to win games?
Fan opinion seems divided:
“As a Manchester United supporter. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. Not the way to treat a club legend.”
“Perhaps we should pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is currently 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 burned. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and head for Saudi Arabia following the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
A pair of second-tier fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.
- The match between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a fan was taken ill. It was later confirmed the supporter passed away in hospital.
- Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the pitch unplayable.
There is no word yet on when these matches will be replayed.
