Premier League Buildup alongside Football Association Cup Round Two Updates plus More

Introduction

Hello and welcome to another Sunday day. This is your comprehensive matchday live center, centering on today's major football action. The Premier League offers intriguing contests between Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash sees the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside WSL action and FA Cup round two excitement rounds out the lineup. Feel free to send us your views and let us know how you'll be following the action. Let's get into it.

Yesterday's Headlines

Mohamed Salah commandeered the headlines even though he did not play in Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw at Leeds United. He launched an stunning critique on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” following omission from the starting lineup for the third straight match. He expressed feeling made a scapegoat for the club's poor beginning to the season.

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

Another significant top-flight development saw Arsenal's injury-time loss at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, coupled with Manchester City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, has left a very tight battle at the summit of the table.

Outside English football, the Argentine maestro as ever played the hero for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

Brighton welcome West Ham in a 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have shown flickers of life under the arrival of head coach Nuno. An impressive midweek draw means he has overseen a run of only one loss in their last five.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last season's cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth straight victory on the road in the league, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their recent travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

England's famous cup competition round two delivered lots of excitement yesterday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by reaching the next round for the first time in their history.

Other notable outcomes featured:

• Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United beat Stockport County on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton FC led against Cheltenham before finally enduring a 6-2 loss.

Sunday's cup schedule features:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT kickoff)
• Boreham Wood v Newport County
• Gateshead v Walsall
• Blackpool v Carlisle United

The Premier League's Three Tiers

There seems to be a trio of separate battlegroups forming in this campaign's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are apparently contending for the top prize.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A very tight section includes several big names, all with aspirations for the European places. Will any string together a winning run to threaten the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up probably involves several clubs, with Wolves appearing particularly in trouble. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

Away from the English top flight and FA Cup, today's schedule feature:

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)

The Salah Debate Continues

The reaction from Mohamed Salah's comments continues. There are two distinct sides to the debate. On one hand, has Salah done enough to speak out as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is manager Slot right in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win games?

Views from supporters appears divided:

“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. This is no way to treat a legend of the club.”

“Can we pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten 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. Will he seek a loan to a club abroad? Might he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?

Matches Abandoned

Two Championship matches were abandoned yesterday.

• The match between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later confirmed the fan died in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the pitch unsuitable.

There is no word yet on when these matches will be replayed.