Top Flight Preview alongside FA Cup Round Two Latest News and More
Opening Thoughts
Morning everyone to another Sunday day. This is your all-in-one matchday coverage center, centering on today's key football action. The Premier League offers intriguing matches featuring Brighton & West Ham as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish encounter sees the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with WSL games and cup round two drama rounds out the schedule. As always share your thoughts and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Without further ado.
Major Stories from Saturday
Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the headlines despite not featuring in the Reds' hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an stunning critique on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” after being left out the first eleven for the third consecutive match. He expressed feeling singled out for blame for the team's poor start to the season.
“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”
The other significant Premier League development was the Gunners' injury-time loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, combined with City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, has left a very tight battle at the summit of the table.
Away from the English football, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
The Seagulls welcome the Hammers in a afternoon start. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement since the appointment of head coach Nuno. A creditable point at Manchester United 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 successive away win in the league, having defeated three opponents to nil in their recent away fixtures.
The FA Cup Second Round
England's famous cup competition round two provided plenty of drama on Saturday. National League South side the Seagulls made history by reaching the next round for the first time in their history.
Additional standout results featured:
- Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge defeated Stockport County on penalties.
- Non-league Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally suffering a 6-2 defeat.
Sunday's FA Cup schedule features:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT start)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
The Premier League's Three Tiers
There seems to be three separate battlegroups forming in this season's Premier League.
- The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly contending for the championship.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight section contains several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Will any put together a winning run to challenge the top teams?
- The Fight for Survival: The scrap to avoid the drop probably involves several clubs, with Wolves appearing especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be dragged into the fight.
Other Matches Today
Outside the Premier League and domestic cup, today's fixtures include:
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 rages on. There are two distinct sides to the debate. Has he earned the right to voice his frustration as a true Liverpool legend? On the other, is boss Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?
Fan opinion 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. This is no way to treat a club legend.”
“Can we take a moment to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He's probably forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for Mo Salah, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Will he move on loan to a club abroad? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and move to the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
Two Championship fixtures were abandoned yesterday.
- The match between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a supporter was taken ill. It was later announced the supporter 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 occasion this season at the ground – made the pitch unsuitable.
At this time, there is no word yet on when these matches will be replayed.