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Opening Thoughts

Hello and welcome on this weekend day. This is your comprehensive matchday coverage hub, focusing on today's key football action. England's top division offers fascinating contests featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers and Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside WSL action plus FA Cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. Feel free to get in touch telling us how you'll be following today's games. Let's get into it.

Yesterday's Headlines

Mohamed Salah stole the spotlight despite not featuring in the Reds' thrilling 3-3 draw at Leeds United. Salah delivered an remarkable attack on manager the Dutch coach, accusing him of tossing him “to the wolves” after being left out the starting lineup for the third straight match. The player stated feeling made a scapegoat for the team's disappointing start 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, perhaps for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”

The other significant top-flight story was the Gunners' injury-time loss at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's winning goal. That result, coupled with City's straightforward victory over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close race at the summit of the table.

Away from the English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

Brighton welcome West Ham in a afternoon kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of life since the appointment of head coach Nuno. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in their last five.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive victory on the road in the Premier League, having beaten three opponents to nil in their latest travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup second round delivered lots of excitement on Saturday. National League South side the Seagulls created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.

Additional standout outcomes included:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge beat Stockport on spot-kicks.
• Non-league Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham Town before eventually suffering a 6-2 loss.

Sunday's 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 a trio of distinct mini-leagues forming in this season's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are apparently vying for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A very tight group contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the European places. Can any string together a winning run to threaten the top teams?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up probably involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be dragged into the fight.

Elsewhere in Football

Away from the Premier League and domestic cup, Sunday'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)

The Salah Debate Continues

The fallout from the Liverpool forward's comments continues. There are two distinct sides to the argument. Has he earned the right to voice his frustration as a true Liverpool legend? Or is manager Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?

Fan opinion appears divided:

“United fan here. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. Not the way to treat a club legend.”

“Perhaps we should pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

What next for Mo Salah, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Will he move on loan to a club abroad? Or will he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?

Matches Abandoned

A pair of Championship fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.

• The match between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later announced the supporter died 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 – rendered the pitch unplayable.

There is no confirmation on when these matches will be replayed.