Premier League Buildup and Football Association Cup Round Two Latest News and Additional Coverage
Introduction
Morning everyone to another weekend morning. We bring you your comprehensive matchday live hub, highlighting the day's key football action. England's top division presents fascinating matches featuring Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League games and cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. As always share your thoughts and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Let's get into it.
Yesterday's Headlines
Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the spotlight despite did not play in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Leeds United. Salah delivered an astonishing attack on manager Arne Slot, accusing him of tossing him “to the wolves” following omission from the first eleven for the third consecutive match. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the team's disappointing beginning to the campaign.
“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”
Another major Premier League development was Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano BuendĂa's decisive goal. This outcome, combined with City's comfortable win over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close race at the top of the table.
Outside English football, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for his MLS side as they triumphed the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
Brighton host the Hammers for an afternoon start. West Ham have displayed signs of improvement under the arrival of manager Nuno EspĂrito Santo. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last season's FA Cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth successive victory on the road in the Premier League, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their latest travels.
The FA Cup Second Round
The FA Cup round two delivered plenty of drama on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls made history by reaching the next round for the first time ever.
Additional standout results included:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United beat Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Sixth tier Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham before eventually enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Today's FA Cup schedule includes:
- 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 distinct battlegroups developing in this season's top flight.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly contending for the top prize.
- The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the European places. Will any string together a consistent form to challenge the top teams?
- The Fight for Survival: The scrap to stay up likely involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves looking particularly in trouble. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the fight.
Elsewhere in Football
Outside the English top flight and domestic 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)
European Football:
- Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
- Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)
The Salah Debate Continues
The fallout from Mohamed Salah's comments continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to speak out as a true club icon? Or is manager Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to try to win matches?
Views from supporters seems split:
“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. Not the way to treat a legend of the club.”
“Can we pause to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is presently Liverpool's best-paid player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
What next for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be burned. Will he seek a loan to another European club? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
A pair of second-tier fixtures were abandoned yesterday.
- The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later confirmed the supporter died 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 – rendered the pitch unplayable.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when these matches will be replayed.