Premier League Build-up alongside FA Cup Second Round Latest News and Additional Coverage

Opening Thoughts

Hello and welcome on this weekend morning. We bring you your all-in-one football coverage hub, focusing on the day's key football fixtures. England's top division presents fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish clash sees Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL action and cup second round drama completes the schedule. We encourage get in touch telling us how you'll be following today's games. Let's get into it.

Yesterday's Headlines

Mohamed Salah grabbed the headlines despite was absent in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Leeds United. Salah delivered an astonishing attack on manager the Dutch coach, accusing him of throwing him “under the bus” after being left out the first eleven for the third consecutive game. He expressed that he felt singled out for blame for the club's poor start to the campaign.

“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”

Another significant Premier League development saw the Gunners' injury-time loss at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, combined with City's comfortable win over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close battle at the top of the table.

Outside the English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever wrote the script for Inter Miami as they lifted the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

The Seagulls host the Hammers in a afternoon kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of life since the appointment of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in their last five.

Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last season's cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth straight victory on the road in the Premier League, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their recent travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

England's famous cup competition round two provided plenty of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.

Other standout results featured:

• Swindon Town hammered Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge beat Stockport County on spot-kicks.
• Non-league Buxton FC led against Cheltenham Town before eventually suffering a 6-2 loss.

Today's cup schedule features:

• 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 a trio of separate battlegroups developing in this season's top flight.

1. The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly vying for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested section includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any string together a winning run to challenge the top teams?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up likely concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be dragged into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

Outside the Premier League and FA Cup, Sunday's schedule 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)

Around the Continent:

• Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
• Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)

The Salah Debate Continues

The reaction from the Liverpool forward's explosive interview continues. There are two distinct sides to the debate. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a true Liverpool legend? On the other, is boss Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?

Fan opinion appears 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 club legend.”

“Can we take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

What next for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Could he move on loan to a club abroad? Or will he take the pay day and head for Saudi Arabia following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

Two second-tier matches were abandoned on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a fan was taken ill. It was later announced the fan passed away 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.

There is no word yet on when either game will be rescheduled.