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Opening Thoughts

Good morning on this Sunday morning. We bring you your all-in-one matchday coverage center, centering on the day's major football action. England's top division presents intriguing matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash sees Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL action and cup second round excitement rounds out the lineup. As always get in touch telling us how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.

Major Stories from Saturday

Mohamed Salah commandeered the headlines even though he did not play in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Salah delivered an astonishing critique on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” following being left out the first eleven for the third straight game. He expressed feeling made a scapegoat for the team's poor beginning to the campaign.

“I can’t believe … I am sat 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.”

The other significant Premier League development saw Arsenal's injury-time loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, has left a very tight race at the top of the table.

Outside English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever played the hero for Inter Miami as they triumphed the league championship, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

The Seagulls welcome West Ham in a afternoon start. West Ham have displayed signs of life since the arrival of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive midweek draw means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in their last five.

Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last season's cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth straight victory on the road in the league, having beaten three opponents without conceding in their recent travels.

Cup Action Continues

England's famous cup competition round two provided lots of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls made history by reaching the third round for the first time ever.

Additional standout outcomes featured:

• Swindon Town hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United beat Stockport on spot-kicks.
• Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham before eventually enduring a 6-2 defeat.

Sunday's FA Cup schedule includes:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT kickoff)
• Boreham Wood v Newport County
• Gateshead v Walsall
• Blackpool v Carlisle United

The Premier League's Three Tiers

It appears three separate mini-leagues forming in this campaign's Premier League.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the top prize.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A very tight group contains several big names, all with designs on the European places. Will any put together a winning run to challenge the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to avoid the drop probably concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves looking especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be sucked into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Away from the Premier League and domestic cup, Sunday's fixtures include:

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)

Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star

The reaction from the Liverpool forward's explosive interview continues. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the debate. Has he earned the right to speak out as a true club icon? Or is boss Arne Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win matches?

Fan opinion seems split:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If memory serves, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a club legend.”

“Perhaps we should pause 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.”

What next for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Will he seek a loan to another European club? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and move to the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?

Sad News from the Championship

Two Championship matches were abandoned yesterday.

• The match between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. It was later confirmed the supporter died in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – rendered the field unplayable.

There is no word yet on when these matches will be rescheduled.