Top Flight Buildup and Football Association Cup Second Round Updates and More
Introduction
Good morning to another weekend day. This is your all-in-one matchday coverage hub, centering on the day's major football action. The Premier League offers fascinating matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish clash sees Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL games plus FA Cup second round excitement completes the schedule. We encourage get in touch and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Let's get into it.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah stole the headlines despite did not play in the Reds' hectic six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an astonishing attack on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” following being left out the starting lineup for the third straight match. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the club's disappointing beginning to the season.
“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”
Another major top-flight story saw the Gunners' last-gasp defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emi Buendía's winning goal. This outcome, coupled with City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the summit of the standings.
Outside the English football, Lionel Messi as ever wrote the script for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
The Seagulls host the Hammers for an 2pm GMT start. West Ham have displayed signs of life since 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 repeat of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth successive away win in the Premier League, having beaten three opponents to nil in their recent travels.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup second round provided lots of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time in their history.
Other notable results featured:
- Swindon Town hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United defeated Stockport on penalties.
- Non-league Buxton FC led against Cheltenham before eventually suffering a 6-2 loss.
Today's FA Cup action features:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT kickoff)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
Developing Mini-Leagues
There seems to be three distinct battlegroups developing in this campaign's top flight.
- The Title Race: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the championship.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight section contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any put together a winning run to challenge the top teams?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to avoid the drop probably involves several clubs, with Wolves looking particularly vulnerable. Clubs such as others could also be sucked into the fight.
Elsewhere in Football
Away from the Premier League and FA 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)
European Football:
- Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
- Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)
The Salah Debate Continues
The fallout from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview continues. There are two clear camps to the argument. On one hand, has Salah done enough to speak out as a true Liverpool legend? Or is boss Arne Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win matches?
Views from supporters appears divided:
“United fan here. If memory serves, 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 feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
What next for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he move on loan to another European club? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
Two Championship fixtures were called off yesterday.
- The game between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a fan was taken unwell. It was later confirmed the fan passed away 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 time this season at the ground – made the field unsuitable.
At this time, there is no word yet on when either game will be rescheduled.
