Premier League Build-up and Football Association Cup Round Two Latest News and More

Introduction

Morning everyone to another weekend morning. We bring you your all-in-one football live hub, highlighting the day's major soccer fixtures. England's top division presents intriguing matches between Brighton & West Ham and Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a crucial Scottish clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with WSL action and cup round two excitement completes the lineup. Feel free to share your thoughts and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Let's get into it.

Major Stories from Saturday

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the spotlight even though he not featuring in Liverpool's thrilling six-goal thriller at Elland Road. Salah delivered an remarkable critique on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” after being left out the first eleven for the third straight game. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the club's disappointing start to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”

Another major Premier League development was the Gunners' injury-time loss at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, combined with City's straightforward win over Sunderland, has left a very tight battle at the top of the table.

Away from the English leagues, Lionel Messi once again played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton welcome the Hammers for an 2pm GMT kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of life since the arrival 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 cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth straight away win in the Premier League, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup round two delivered lots of excitement yesterday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls made history by reaching the third round for the first time ever.

Other standout outcomes included:

• Swindon Town hammered Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United beat Stockport County on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 defeat.

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 separate battlegroups developing in this campaign's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the top prize.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A very tight section includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any string together a winning run to challenge the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The scrap to avoid the drop likely concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing especially in trouble. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the battle.

Other Matches Today

Away from the Premier League and domestic cup, Sunday's fixtures 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)

Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star

The fallout from Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. There are two clear camps to the argument. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide Liverpool legend? On the other, is boss Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win games?

Views from supporters 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 chief scapegoat. Not the way to treat a legend of the club.”

“Can we take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably forgotten that he is presently Liverpool's best-paid player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for Mo Salah, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be burned. Could he move on 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

A pair of Championship matches were called off yesterday.

• The game between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the early stages 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 playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the field unsuitable.

There is no word yet on when either game will be replayed.