Premier League Build-up alongside FA Cup Second Round Developments plus More
Introduction
Hello and welcome to another weekend morning. We bring you your comprehensive football live hub, centering on the day's major football action. The Premier League offers intriguing matches featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers and Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership encounter sees Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL games plus cup second round excitement rounds out the schedule. Feel free to get in touch and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.
Yesterday's Headlines
Liverpool's Egyptian star grabbed the spotlight even though he was absent in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an stunning critique on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” following being left out the first eleven for the third straight game. The player stated feeling made a scapegoat for the club's disappointing start to the season.
“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”
The other major Premier League development was the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, combined with City's straightforward victory over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close battle at the summit of the table.
Away from the English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever played the hero for Inter Miami as they lifted the league championship, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
Brighton welcome the Hammers in a 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors 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 year's cup quarter-final. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth successive away win in the Premier League, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup round two provided plenty 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.
Additional notable results featured:
- Swindon Town thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United beat Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Non-league Buxton FC led against Cheltenham before eventually enduring a 6-2 loss.
Sunday's FA Cup action includes:
- 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
It appears three distinct mini-leagues forming in this season's top flight.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the championship.
- The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested section includes several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Will any put together a consistent form to challenge the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up probably concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves looking especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be dragged into the battle.
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)
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 rages on. There are two distinct sides to the debate. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to voice his frustration as a true club icon? Or is boss Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win games?
Views from supporters seems divided:
“As a Manchester United supporter. If memory serves, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a legend of the club.”
“Perhaps we should take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's best-paid player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?
Sad News from the Championship
Two second-tier fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.
- The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a fan was taken ill. It was later confirmed the supporter passed away in hospital.
- Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unsuitable.
There is no confirmation on when either game will be rescheduled.
