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Opening Thoughts

Morning everyone on this weekend morning. We bring you your comprehensive football coverage hub, focusing on the day's major football action. England's top division presents fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside Women's Super League action plus cup round two excitement completes the schedule. Feel free to share your thoughts and let us know your plans for watching the action. Here we go.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the spotlight even though he not featuring in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an remarkable attack on manager the Dutch coach, accusing him of throwing him “under the bus” after omission from the first eleven for the third consecutive match. The player stated feeling made a scapegoat for the team's disappointing beginning to the season.

“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”

The other major Premier League story saw Arsenal's injury-time defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive goal. That result, coupled with City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, makes for a very tight 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, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

The Seagulls host the Hammers in a 2pm GMT kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of life under the appointment of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of only one loss in their last five.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth straight victory on the road in the Premier League, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their recent travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup round two provided lots of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.

Other standout outcomes included:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United defeated Stockport on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 defeat.

Today's FA Cup schedule features:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT kickoff)
• Boreham Wood v Newport County
• Gateshead v Walsall
• Blackpool v Carlisle United

Developing Mini-Leagues

It appears a trio of distinct battlegroups forming in this campaign's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the championship.
2. The Packed Middle: A very tight section contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the top five. Will any put together a consistent form to threaten the top teams?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up likely involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves looking especially in trouble. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

Away from the English top flight and FA Cup, Sunday'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)

Around the Continent:

• Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
• Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)

The Salah Debate Continues

The reaction from the Liverpool forward's comments continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the debate. On one hand, has Salah done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? Or is boss Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win matches?

Views from supporters appears split:

“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was the players' 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 have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's best-paid player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be burned. Could he move on loan to a club abroad? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and move to the Saudi Pro League following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

Two Championship fixtures were called off on Saturday.

• The match between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a fan was taken ill. It was later announced the supporter passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second time this season at the ground – rendered the field unplayable.

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