Premier League Preview and FA Cup Second Round Developments and Additional Coverage
Opening Thoughts
Hello and welcome to another Sunday day. This is your comprehensive matchday live hub, highlighting the day's key soccer fixtures. The Premier League presents fascinating contests featuring Brighton & West Ham as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish encounter sees Celtic and Hearts, coupled with Women's Super League games plus cup second round excitement rounds out the lineup. We encourage send us your views telling us how you'll be following today's games. Let's get into it.
Major Stories from Saturday
Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the headlines despite was absent in Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw at Leeds United. He launched an remarkable attack on boss the Dutch coach, accusing him of throwing him “to the wolves” after omission from the first eleven for the third straight match. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the club's poor beginning 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 time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”
Another major top-flight story saw the Gunners' injury-time loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emi Buendía's winning goal. This outcome, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable win over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close battle at the summit of the standings.
Away from the English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
Brighton welcome West Ham in a afternoon start. West Ham have displayed signs of life under the appointment of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive midweek draw means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in their last five.
Fulham against Crystal 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 Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their latest travels.
The FA Cup Second Round
The FA Cup second round delivered plenty of excitement yesterday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare made history by reaching the next round for the first time ever.
Additional notable outcomes featured:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Sixth tier Buxton FC led against Cheltenham before finally suffering a 6-2 loss.
Sunday's cup schedule includes:
- 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 three distinct mini-leagues forming in this campaign's Premier League.
- Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are seemingly contending for the championship.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight section includes several big names, all with designs on the top five. Can any put together a consistent form to threaten the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to avoid the drop likely involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves appearing especially in trouble. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the fight.
Elsewhere in Football
Outside the Premier League and domestic cup, Sunday's fixtures 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)
The Salah Debate Continues
The fallout from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview rages on. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the debate. On one hand, has Salah done enough to voice his frustration as a true Liverpool legend? Or is manager Slot right in doing whatever it takes to attempt 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 the main target. This is no way to treat a club legend.”
“Can we pause to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's best-paid player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be burned. Could he seek a loan to a club abroad? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and head for Saudi Arabia after the Africa Cup of Nations?
Matches Abandoned
A pair of second-tier matches were abandoned on Saturday.
- The game between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later announced the fan passed away 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 field unplayable.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when either game will be replayed.
