Premier League Preview and Football Association Cup Round Two Developments and More
Opening Thoughts
Morning everyone to another weekend morning. We bring you your all-in-one football coverage hub, highlighting today's major football action. England's top division offers intriguing contests featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside Women's Super League games and cup round two excitement completes the schedule. Feel free to share your thoughts and let us know your plans for watching the action. Here we go.
Major Stories from Saturday
Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the headlines even though he not featuring in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an remarkable attack on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “to the wolves” after omission from the starting lineup for the third straight match. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the team's disappointing beginning to the campaign.
“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”
The other major top-flight development saw Arsenal's injury-time loss at Aston Villa, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. That result, combined with Manchester City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, makes for a incredibly close battle at the top of the table.
Outside the English leagues, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.
Sunday's Top-Flight Matches
The Seagulls host the Hammers for an 2pm GMT kickoff. West Ham have shown flickers of improvement under the arrival of manager Nuno. An impressive midweek draw means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in their last five.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth straight victory on the road in the Premier League, having defeated three opponents to nil in their latest travels.
The FA Cup Second Round
The FA Cup round two delivered plenty of excitement yesterday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare made history by advancing to the third round for the first time ever.
Additional standout outcomes featured:
- Swindon Town hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge beat Stockport County on penalties.
- Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.
Today's cup action features:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early start)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
The Premier League's Three Tiers
It appears a trio of distinct battlegroups forming in this season's top flight.
- The Title Race: The current leading pack are apparently contending for the top prize.
- The Packed Middle: A very tight section contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any put together a consistent form to threaten the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to avoid the drop probably concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves appearing especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be sucked into the fight.
Other Matches Today
Outside the Premier League and FA Cup, Sunday's schedule 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 reaction from the Liverpool forward'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 true club icon? Or is manager Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?
Views from supporters appears divided:
“United fan here. If I’m not mistaken, 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.”
“Can we take a moment to have sympathy 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.”
The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to a club abroad? Might he accept a lucrative offer and move to the Saudi Pro League following the Africa Cup of Nations?
Sad News from the Championship
Two Championship fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.
- The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later confirmed the fan 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.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when these matches will be rescheduled.
