Premier League Preview and FA Cup Second Round Latest News plus Additional Coverage
Preamble
Good morning to another Sunday day. We bring you your all-in-one football coverage hub, highlighting today's key soccer fixtures. England's top division offers fascinating contests featuring Brighton & West Ham and Fulham & Crystal Palace. Additionally, a crucial Scottish encounter between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL action plus cup second round excitement completes the schedule. As always get in touch telling us how you'll be following today's games. Let's get into it.
Yesterday's Headlines
Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the headlines even though he was absent in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an stunning attack on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” after omission from the starting lineup for the third straight game. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the team's disappointing beginning to the season.
“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another major Premier League development was the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, combined with City's straightforward victory over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close race at the top of the standings.
Away from English football, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
The Seagulls welcome the Hammers in a 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of life since the arrival of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. 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 repeat of last season's cup quarter-final. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth straight away win in the league, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their latest away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup round two provided lots of excitement on Saturday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by advancing to the third round for the first time in their history.
Other standout outcomes included:
- Swindon hammered Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United beat Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Sunday's FA Cup schedule includes:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early kickoff)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
Developing Mini-Leagues
It appears three separate mini-leagues developing in this season's Premier League.
- The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the top prize.
- The Mid-Table Scramble: A very tight group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any string together a winning run to threaten the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The scrap to avoid the drop probably involves several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing particularly in trouble. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the battle.
Elsewhere in Football
Outside the Premier League and domestic cup, today's schedule include:
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)
Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star
The reaction from the Liverpool forward's explosive interview rages on. There are two distinct sides to the debate. Has he earned the right to speak out as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is boss Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?
Fan opinion seems split:
“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. This is no way to treat a club legend.”
“Perhaps we should take a moment 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 Mo Salah, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Will he move on loan to a club abroad? Or will he take the pay day and move to Saudi Arabia following the AFCON?
Sad News from the Championship
A pair of Championship matches were abandoned on Saturday.
- The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a supporter was taken ill. It was later confirmed the fan passed away in hospital.
- Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – made the field unsuitable.
There is no confirmation on when either game will be rescheduled.
