Premier League Buildup alongside FA Cup Round Two Latest News plus More
Preamble
Hello and welcome to another Sunday morning. This is your all-in-one matchday live hub, highlighting the day's major soccer fixtures. The Premier League presents fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a crucial Scottish clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League games plus cup round two excitement rounds out the schedule. Feel free to get in touch telling us your plans for watching today's games. Let's get into it.
Major Stories from Saturday
Mohamed Salah grabbed the headlines even though he did not play in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Salah delivered an astonishing attack on boss Arne Slot, accusing him of throwing him “to the wolves” after being left out the starting lineup for the third straight match. He expressed that he felt made a scapegoat for the club's poor start to the season.
“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another significant Premier League development saw Arsenal's last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's winning goal. This outcome, combined with Manchester City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, has left a very tight battle at the summit of the table.
Outside English leagues, Lionel Messi once again played the hero for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
Brighton welcome West Ham for an afternoon kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of life under the appointment of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in their last five.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last season's cup quarter-final. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive away win in the league, having defeated three opponents to nil in their recent travels.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup second round delivered lots of drama yesterday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time ever.
Other standout outcomes featured:
- Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge defeated Stockport on spot-kicks.
- Sixth tier Buxton FC led against Cheltenham before finally suffering a 6-2 defeat.
Sunday'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
It appears a trio of separate battlegroups developing in this season's top flight.
- The Title Race: The current leading pack are seemingly contending for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group contains several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any put together a winning run to threaten the elite?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up likely involves several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially in trouble. 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 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)
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 Mohamed Salah's explosive interview rages on. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. Has he earned the right to speak out as a true Liverpool legend? Or is boss Arne Slot right in doing whatever it takes to try to win games?
Views from supporters appears split:
“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 club legend.”
“Can we pause to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to a club abroad? Or will he take the pay day and move to Saudi Arabia following the Africa Cup of Nations?
Matches Abandoned
Two Championship matches were abandoned on Saturday.
- 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'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.
At this time, there is no word yet on when these matches will be rescheduled.