Premier League Build-up and FA Cup Second Round Latest News and More
Preamble
Morning everyone to another Sunday morning. This is your comprehensive football live center, highlighting the day's key football fixtures. The Premier League presents intriguing contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish clash between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL games and cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. As always get in touch telling us your plans for watching today's games. Here we go.
Major Stories from Saturday
Mohamed Salah commandeered the headlines despite was absent in the Reds' hectic six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an remarkable critique on manager the Dutch coach, accusing him of throwing him “to the wolves” after omission from the first eleven for the third straight game. He expressed that he felt singled out for blame for the club's poor beginning to the campaign.
“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”
The other significant Premier League development was the Gunners' last-gasp defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, combined with Manchester City's comfortable victory over Sunderland, has left a very tight battle at the top of the standings.
Outside the English football, Lionel Messi as ever played the hero for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
The Seagulls welcome the Hammers in a 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement under the arrival of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in their last five.
Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last season's FA Cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth successive away win in the league, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest away fixtures.
The FA Cup Second Round
The FA Cup round two delivered lots of drama yesterday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare made history by advancing to the third round for the first time ever.
Additional notable outcomes included:
- Swindon hammered Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Non-league Buxton led against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 loss.
Sunday's FA Cup action features:
- 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 a trio of separate mini-leagues developing in this season's top flight.
- The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly vying for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any put together a winning run to threaten the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The scrap to avoid the drop likely concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves appearing especially vulnerable. Clubs such as others could also be sucked into the fight.
Other Matches Today
Outside the English top flight and domestic 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)
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 explosive interview rages on. There are two clear camps to the argument. On one hand, has Salah done enough to speak out as a bona fide Liverpool legend? On the other, is manager Arne Slot right in doing whatever it takes to try to win matches?
Fan opinion appears split:
“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. This is no way to treat a legend of the club.”
“Can we take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's best-paid player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Could he seek a loan to another European club? 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 second-tier fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.
- The match between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. 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 playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unsuitable.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when these matches will be replayed.