🔗 Share this article Premier League Buildup and FA Cup Second Round Updates plus Additional Coverage Opening Thoughts Morning everyone on this weekend day. We bring you your all-in-one matchday coverage center, focusing on the day's key soccer fixtures. England's top division offers fascinating contests featuring Brighton & West Ham as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish clash between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL games plus FA Cup round two excitement rounds out the lineup. We encourage share your thoughts and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Let's get into it. Yesterday's Headlines Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the spotlight despite did not play in Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an stunning attack on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” following omission from the first eleven for the third consecutive match. The player stated feeling made a scapegoat for the club's disappointing start to the campaign. “It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my career. I am extremely disappointed.” The other major Premier League development saw Arsenal's last-gasp defeat at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's winning strike. That result, combined with Manchester City's comfortable victory over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close battle at the summit of the standings. Away from the English football, Lionel Messi 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 host West Ham for an afternoon kickoff. West Ham have shown flickers of improvement since the appointment of manager Nuno. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games. Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last season's FA Cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth straight victory on the road in the Premier League, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their recent away fixtures. The FA Cup Second Round The FA Cup second round provided lots of drama yesterday. National League South side the Seagulls made history by reaching the third round for the first time ever. Additional notable outcomes included: Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0. Cambridge defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks. Sixth tier Buxton led against Cheltenham before finally suffering a 6-2 loss. Sunday's cup action includes: Slough Town v Macclesfield (early 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. The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly vying for the top prize. The Packed Middle: A very tight group contains several big names, all with designs on the European places. Can any string together a consistent form to threaten the elite? The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to avoid the drop probably involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing particularly in trouble. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the battle. Elsewhere in Football Outside the Premier League and domestic cup, today's schedule 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) European Football: 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 explosive interview rages on. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the debate. On one hand, has Salah done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide Liverpool legend? Or is boss Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games? Fan opinion appears 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.” “Perhaps we should take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's best-paid player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.” What next for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be burned. Could he seek a loan to a club abroad? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and move to the Saudi Pro League following the Africa Cup of Nations? Sad News from the Championship Two second-tier fixtures were called off yesterday. The game between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a fan was taken ill. It was later confirmed the supporter passed away in hospital. Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unplayable. At this time, there is no word yet on when these matches will be replayed.