Premier League Preview and FA Cup Round Two Developments plus Additional Coverage
Opening Thoughts
Good morning to another Sunday morning. This is your all-in-one matchday coverage hub, highlighting today's key football fixtures. England's top division offers intriguing matches featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Hearts, alongside Women's Super League action plus cup second round drama rounds out the lineup. We encourage share your thoughts telling us how you'll be following the action. Let's get into it.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah commandeered the spotlight despite not featuring in the Reds' thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an remarkable attack on manager the Dutch coach, accusing him of tossing him “to the wolves” following being left out the starting lineup for the third straight game. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the team's disappointing start to the campaign.
“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”
The other significant Premier League development was Arsenal's last-gasp defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's winning strike. This outcome, combined with City's straightforward win over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close race at the top of the standings.
Away from the English leagues, Lionel Messi once again played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
The Seagulls welcome the Hammers in a afternoon kickoff. West Ham have shown flickers of life since the arrival of manager Nuno. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in their last five.
Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last season's cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth successive victory on the road in the Premier League, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their latest away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup round two delivered lots of drama 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 outcomes featured:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United beat Stockport on penalties.
- Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham before eventually suffering a 6-2 defeat.
Sunday's FA Cup action includes:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT start)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
The Premier League's Three Tiers
It appears three distinct battlegroups developing in this campaign's top flight.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly vying for the championship.
- The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group includes several big names, all with designs on the top five. Can any string together a winning run to threaten the elite?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up probably involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking particularly vulnerable. Clubs such as others could also be sucked into the battle.
Other Matches Today
Away from the Premier League and domestic cup, today's schedule 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)
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 the Liverpool forward's comments rages on. There are two clear camps to the debate. On one hand, has Salah done enough to voice his frustration as a true club icon? Or is manager Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?
Fan opinion appears divided:
“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 feel sorry 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 relationship with the club may now be burned. Will he move on loan to a club abroad? Or will he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League after the Africa Cup of Nations?
Matches Abandoned
Two Championship fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.
- The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a fan was taken unwell. It was later confirmed the fan 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 occasion this season at the ground – made the pitch unsuitable.
At this time, there is no word yet on when either game will be rescheduled.