Premier League Preview and FA Cup Round Two Developments and More
Opening Thoughts
Morning everyone to another weekend morning. This is your comprehensive matchday live hub, centering on today's major football fixtures. The Premier League offers fascinating matches featuring Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside WSL games plus FA Cup round two excitement completes the schedule. Feel free to get in touch and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.
Yesterday's Headlines
Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the headlines even though he not featuring in Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw at Leeds United. He launched an remarkable attack on boss the Dutch coach, accusing him of tossing him “to the wolves” after omission from the first eleven for the third straight match. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the club's disappointing start to the season.
“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”
Another major Premier League story saw the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's winning goal. That result, combined with City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, makes for a incredibly close race at the summit of the table.
Outside English football, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
The Seagulls host West Ham in a 2pm GMT kickoff. West Ham have shown flickers of life under the arrival of manager Nuno. An impressive midweek draw means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last season's cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth successive away win in the league, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their latest travels.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup round two provided lots of drama yesterday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time ever.
Additional notable outcomes included:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United beat Stockport on penalties.
- Non-league Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Today's FA Cup action features:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT kickoff)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
Developing Mini-Leagues
There seems to be three separate mini-leagues developing in this campaign's top flight.
- Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the championship.
- The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested section includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the top five. Can any string together a winning run to challenge the elite?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to avoid the drop likely concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing particularly vulnerable. Teams like others could also be sucked into the battle.
Elsewhere in Football
Outside the Premier League and FA Cup, Sunday's fixtures feature:
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 reaction from the Liverpool forward's comments rages on. There are two distinct sides to the argument. Has he earned the right to speak out as a bona fide Liverpool legend? On the other, is manager Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win games?
Views from supporters appears split:
“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.”
“Perhaps we should take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Will he seek a loan to another European club? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and head for Saudi Arabia following the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
A pair of second-tier fixtures were called off yesterday.
- The match between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. It was later announced the fan passed away in hospital.
- Blackburn Rovers'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 – made the field unplayable.
At this time, there is no word yet on when either game will be rescheduled.
