Premier League Preview alongside FA Cup Second Round Latest News and Additional Coverage
Preamble
Hello and welcome on this Sunday day. We bring you your all-in-one football live center, highlighting the day's major football action. The Premier League presents fascinating matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside WSL action plus FA Cup round two excitement rounds out the schedule. As always share your thoughts telling us your plans for watching today's games. Without further ado.
Yesterday's Headlines
Liverpool's Egyptian star grabbed the headlines despite not featuring in Liverpool's thrilling six-goal thriller at Leeds United. Salah delivered an astonishing attack on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” following being left out the starting lineup for the third straight match. He expressed 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,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another major top-flight development saw the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive goal. That result, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, has left a very tight battle at the summit of the standings.
Outside English football, Lionel Messi once again played the hero for Inter Miami as they lifted the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
The Seagulls welcome West Ham for an afternoon start. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement under the arrival of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable 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. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth successive away win in the league, having defeated three opponents to nil in their latest away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
England's famous cup competition round two delivered plenty of excitement yesterday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by reaching the next round for the first time in their history.
Additional standout results included:
- Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United defeated Stockport County on penalties.
- Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 loss.
Sunday's FA Cup action 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 distinct mini-leagues developing in this campaign's Premier League.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly vying for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight group contains several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any string together a winning run to challenge the top teams?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up probably concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be dragged into the battle.
Elsewhere in Football
Away from the English top flight and FA Cup, today's schedule 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)
Around the Continent:
- 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. There are two distinct sides to the argument. Has he earned the right to voice his frustration as a bona fide Liverpool legend? On the other, is boss Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?
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 chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a club legend.”
“Can we pause 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. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and move to Saudi Arabia following the Africa Cup of Nations?
Sad News from the Championship
A pair of second-tier fixtures were called off yesterday.
- The game between Charlton and Pompey 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 paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unplayable.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when either game will be rescheduled.