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Opening Thoughts

Hello and welcome on this weekend morning. We bring you your comprehensive matchday coverage hub, centering on today's key soccer action. The Premier League presents fascinating contests between Brighton & West Ham and Fulham & Crystal Palace. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish clash sees the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League games and cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. We encourage get in touch telling us how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the spotlight despite did not play in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an remarkable critique on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” after being left out the starting lineup for the third consecutive match. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the team's poor start to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”

Another significant Premier League story was Arsenal's last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's winning goal. That result, combined with Manchester City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, makes for a very tight battle at the top of the standings.

Outside the English football, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

The Seagulls host West Ham for an 2pm GMT kickoff. West Ham have shown flickers of life under the appointment of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable midweek draw means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last season's FA Cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth successive away win in the Premier League, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their recent travels.

Cup Action Continues

The FA Cup round two delivered lots of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare made history by reaching the next round for the first time ever.

Other standout outcomes featured:

• Swindon Town thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge defeated Stockport on penalties.
• Non-league Buxton FC led against Cheltenham before eventually suffering a 6-2 defeat.

Sunday's FA Cup action includes:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (early start)
• Boreham Wood v Newport County
• Gateshead v Walsall
• Blackpool v Carlisle United

Developing Mini-Leagues

There seems to be three distinct battlegroups forming in this season's Premier League.

1. The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently vying for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A very tight group contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any string together a consistent form to challenge the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to avoid the drop likely concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves appearing particularly vulnerable. Teams like others could also be sucked into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Away from the Premier League and FA 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)

The Salah Debate Continues

The fallout from the Liverpool forward's explosive interview rages on. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the debate. Has he done enough to speak out as a true club icon? On the other, is manager Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win games?

Fan opinion 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 legend of the club.”

“Perhaps we should pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have 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 relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to a club abroad? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and move to Saudi Arabia following the AFCON?

Sad News from the Championship

Two Championship fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.

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

There is no word yet on when these matches will be replayed.