Premier League Buildup and FA Cup Second Round Updates and Additional Coverage
Introduction
Morning everyone on this weekend morning. We bring you your all-in-one football coverage center, highlighting today's key soccer action. The Premier League offers fascinating matches between Brighton & West Ham as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish clash sees the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with WSL games and cup round two drama completes the lineup. Feel free to get in touch telling us how you'll be following the action. Let's get into it.
Yesterday's Headlines
Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the spotlight even though he was absent in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Salah delivered an astonishing attack on boss Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” after omission from the starting lineup for the third straight 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. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another significant top-flight story was Arsenal's injury-time defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, combined with Manchester City's comfortable win over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the summit of the table.
Away from the English football, Lionel Messi as ever wrote the script for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
The Seagulls host the Hammers in a 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have shown flickers of life since the arrival 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 year's FA Cup quarter-final. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest travels.
The FA Cup Second Round
The FA Cup round two delivered lots of excitement yesterday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time ever.
Other notable results featured:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United defeated Stockport on penalties.
- Non-league Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Sunday's cup schedule features:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early start)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
Developing Mini-Leagues
It appears a trio of distinct battlegroups developing in this season's top flight.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly contending for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight group contains several big names, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any string together a winning run to threaten the elite?
- The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up probably concerns several clubs, with Wolves looking especially in trouble. Teams like others could also be dragged into the battle.
Elsewhere in Football
Away from the English top flight and FA Cup, today's fixtures feature:
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 reaction from Mohamed Salah's comments continues. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the debate. On one hand, has Salah done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is manager Arne Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win matches?
Views from supporters seems divided:
“As a Manchester United supporter. If memory serves, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a club legend.”
“Perhaps we should pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
What next for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
Two second-tier matches were called off on Saturday.
- The match between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. It was later confirmed the fan died in hospital.
- Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unsuitable.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when these matches will be replayed.
