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Opening Thoughts

Good morning to another Sunday morning. We bring you your comprehensive matchday coverage center, focusing on today's key soccer action. England's top division offers fascinating contests featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish encounter between Celtic and Hearts, alongside Women's Super League games plus FA Cup round two excitement rounds out the schedule. As always send us your views and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the spotlight despite did not play in the Reds' hectic six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an astonishing critique on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” after omission from the first eleven for the third straight game. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the club's poor beginning to the season.

“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”

The other significant Premier League story saw the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's winning goal. That result, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable win over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close battle at the summit of the standings.

Away from English football, the Argentine maestro as ever played the hero for Inter Miami as they lifted the league championship, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton welcome the Hammers for an afternoon start. West Ham have shown flickers of life since the arrival of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in their last five.

Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last year's cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their recent away fixtures.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup second round delivered plenty of drama on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare made history by reaching the next round for the first time in their history.

Additional notable outcomes included:

• Swindon hammered Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks.
• Sixth tier Buxton led against Cheltenham before eventually enduring a 6-2 loss.

Today's cup action includes:

• 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 three separate mini-leagues forming in this campaign's Premier League.

1. The Title Race: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested section includes several big names, all with aspirations for the European places. Will any put together a consistent form to threaten the top teams?
3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to avoid the drop probably involves several clubs, with Wolves appearing especially in trouble. Teams like others could also be dragged into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Outside the English top flight and domestic cup, today'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)

Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star

The fallout from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview rages on. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the debate. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide Liverpool legend? Or is manager Arne Slot right in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win matches?

Views from supporters appears 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 legend of the club.”

“Perhaps we should pause to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's best-paid player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

What next for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Will he move on loan to another European club? Or will he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?

Sad News from the Championship

A pair of Championship matches were called off on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a supporter was taken ill. It was later confirmed the supporter passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the field unsuitable.

There is no confirmation on when these matches will be replayed.