Premier League Buildup alongside FA Cup Second Round Developments plus Additional Coverage
Preamble
Morning everyone to another weekend day. We bring you your comprehensive matchday coverage hub, focusing on the day's major soccer fixtures. The Premier League offers fascinating contests featuring Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash sees Celtic and Hearts, alongside Women's Super League action and cup round two excitement completes the schedule. We encourage send us your views and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Without further ado.
Major Stories from Saturday
Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the spotlight despite did not play in Liverpool's thrilling six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an stunning attack on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” after omission from the starting lineup for the third straight game. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the club's disappointing beginning to the season.
“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”
The other major Premier League development was the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable win over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close battle at the summit of the table.
Away from English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
The Seagulls host the Hammers for an afternoon start. The visitors have shown flickers of life under the arrival of manager Nuno. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.
Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth successive away win in the league, having defeated three opponents to nil in their recent away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
England's famous cup competition second round delivered lots of excitement on Saturday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time ever.
Other standout results featured:
- Swindon Town thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Sixth tier Buxton FC led against Cheltenham before eventually suffering a 6-2 defeat.
Sunday's FA Cup schedule features:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early kickoff)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
Developing Mini-Leagues
There seems to be a trio of distinct mini-leagues developing in this campaign's Premier League.
- The Title Race: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the championship.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight section contains several big names, all with designs on the top five. Will any string together a winning run to challenge the top teams?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to avoid the drop likely concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking particularly in trouble. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the battle.
Other Matches Today
Away from the Premier League and domestic cup, Sunday's fixtures include:
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)
European Football:
- 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. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the debate. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? Or is boss Arne Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?
Fan opinion seems split:
“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. Not the way to treat a legend of the club.”
“Can we pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's best-paid player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be burned. Will he move on loan to a club abroad? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League following the Africa Cup of Nations?
Matches Abandoned
A pair of Championship fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.
- The match between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later announced the fan passed away in hospital.
- Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second time this season at the ground – rendered the field unsuitable.
At this time, there is no word yet on when these matches will be replayed.