Top Flight Build-up and Football Association Cup Second Round Updates plus More
Preamble
Hello and welcome to another Sunday day. This is your all-in-one matchday live hub, focusing on the day's key soccer fixtures. England's top division offers fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers and Fulham & Crystal Palace. Additionally, a crucial Scottish clash between Celtic and Hearts, alongside WSL action plus FA Cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. As always get in touch telling us your plans for watching the action. Here we go.
Major Stories from Saturday
Mohamed Salah grabbed the headlines despite was absent in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an stunning attack on manager Arne Slot, accusing him of throwing him “under the bus” 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 campaign.
“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”
The other major Premier League story saw Arsenal's last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. That result, combined with City's comfortable victory over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close race at the summit of the standings.
Away from English leagues, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they lifted the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
The Seagulls welcome West Ham for an afternoon kickoff. The visitors have shown flickers of life since the appointment of manager Nuno. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in five games.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last season's FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their recent away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup round two provided plenty of drama yesterday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls made history by advancing to the next round for the first time in their history.
Other notable outcomes included:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United beat Stockport County on penalties.
- Non-league Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham before finally suffering a 6-2 loss.
Sunday's cup action includes:
- 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 distinct mini-leagues developing in this campaign's Premier League.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the championship.
- The Mid-Table Scramble: A very tight group includes several big names, all with designs on the European places. Can any put together a consistent form to challenge the top teams?
- The Fight for Survival: The scrap to stay up probably involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially vulnerable. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the battle.
Other Matches Today
Away from the Premier League and FA Cup, today'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)
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 Mohamed Salah's explosive interview rages on. There are two distinct sides to the argument. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a true club icon? Or is manager Arne Slot right in doing whatever it takes to try to win games?
Fan opinion appears divided:
“United fan here. 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.”
“Perhaps we should take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
What next for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he move on loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?
Sad News from the Championship
Two Championship matches were called off on Saturday.
- The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later confirmed 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 field unplayable.
At this time, there is no word yet on when these matches will be replayed.
