Top Flight Buildup and FA Cup Round Two Latest News plus Additional Coverage

Opening Thoughts

Hello and welcome on this Sunday day. This is your all-in-one matchday live hub, focusing on the day's major football action. England's top division offers fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with Women's Super League action plus cup second round excitement rounds out the lineup. Feel free to share your thoughts telling us your plans for watching the action. Let's get into it.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the spotlight even though he did not play in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an stunning critique on manager Arne Slot, accusing him of tossing him “under the bus” following being left out the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. He expressed feeling singled out for blame for the team's poor beginning to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”

The other major top-flight story saw the Gunners' last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, combined with City's straightforward victory over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close battle at the top of the standings.

Outside the English football, Lionel Messi once again played the hero for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

The Seagulls host West Ham for an 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of life under the arrival of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last year's FA Cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth straight away win in the league, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their recent away fixtures.

The FA Cup Second Round

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

Additional standout outcomes featured:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United beat Stockport County on spot-kicks.
• Non-league Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally suffering a 6-2 defeat.

Today's cup action includes:

• 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 Premier League.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the top prize.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested group contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any string together a winning run to challenge the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to avoid the drop probably involves several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing especially vulnerable. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the fight.

Elsewhere in Football

Outside the Premier League and domestic 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 fallout from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview rages on. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the argument. On one hand, has Salah done enough to speak out as a bona fide Liverpool legend? On the other, is boss Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?

Views from supporters seems split:

“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was PFA 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 must have overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

What next for Mo Salah, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to a club abroad? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League after the Africa Cup of Nations?

Matches Abandoned

Two second-tier matches were abandoned yesterday.

• The match between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a supporter was taken ill. It was later confirmed the supporter died in hospital.
• Blackburn'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 time this season at the ground – made the field unplayable.

There is no confirmation on when either game will be rescheduled.