Premier League Preview and FA Cup Second Round Developments plus Additional Coverage
Preamble
Hello and welcome to another Sunday morning. We bring you your all-in-one matchday coverage hub, highlighting today's major football action. England's top division presents fascinating matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash sees the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League action plus cup second round excitement completes the schedule. Feel free to share your thoughts and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah commandeered the headlines despite not featuring in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Salah delivered an stunning attack on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “to the wolves” after omission from the first eleven for the third consecutive match. The player stated feeling made a scapegoat for the team's disappointing start to the season.
“I can’t believe … 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’m very, very disappointed.”
Another major top-flight story saw the Gunners' last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's winning goal. This outcome, coupled with City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, makes for a very tight battle at the top of the table.
Outside English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
Brighton host West Ham for an afternoon start. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement under the appointment of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in five games.
Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last season's cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth successive away win in the Premier League, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their recent away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
England's famous cup competition second round provided plenty of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time in their history.
Other standout results featured:
- Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.
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 distinct battlegroups developing in this season's top flight.
- The Title Race: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the championship.
- The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested group includes several big names, all with designs on the European places. Will any string together a winning run to challenge the top teams?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up likely concerns several clubs, with Wolves looking particularly in trouble. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the fight.
Other Matches Today
Away from the Premier League and FA Cup, Sunday'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)
Around the Continent:
- Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
- Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)
The Salah Debate Continues
The fallout from Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. There are two clear camps to the argument. On one hand, has Salah done enough to voice his frustration as a true Liverpool legend? Or is boss Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to try to win games?
Fan opinion 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. Not the way to treat a legend of the club.”
“Perhaps we should pause to feel sorry 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 relationship with the club may now be damaged. Will he seek a loan to a club abroad? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League following the Africa Cup of Nations?
Sad News from the Championship
A pair of Championship matches were called off on Saturday.
- The match between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later confirmed the fan passed away 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 time this season at the ground – rendered the field unsuitable.
There is no word yet on when either game will be replayed.
