Premier League Buildup and FA Cup Round Two Updates plus More
Preamble
Morning everyone on this weekend day. We bring you your comprehensive football coverage center, focusing on the day's key football action. The Premier League offers intriguing contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash sees the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with WSL action and FA Cup round two excitement rounds out the lineup. As always send us your views telling us how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.
Yesterday's Headlines
Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the spotlight despite did not play in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an remarkable attack on boss Arne Slot, accusing him of tossing him “to the wolves” following omission from the first eleven for the third consecutive match. The player stated that he felt made a scapegoat for the club's disappointing start to the season.
“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”
The other major Premier League development was the Gunners' last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's winning goal. This outcome, combined with City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the summit of the standings.
Outside the English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
The Seagulls welcome West Ham for an afternoon start. West Ham have displayed signs of life since the appointment of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable midweek draw means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in their last five.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last year's FA Cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth successive victory on the road in the Premier League, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest travels.
The FA Cup Second Round
The FA Cup round two provided lots of excitement on Saturday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time in their history.
Additional notable outcomes included:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge beat Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Non-league Buxton FC led against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 loss.
Today's cup action includes:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (early kickoff)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
Developing Mini-Leagues
It appears a trio of distinct battlegroups forming in this season's top flight.
- The Title Race: The current leading pack are seemingly contending for the championship.
- The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested section contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the European places. Can any put together a consistent form to challenge the top teams?
- The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up probably concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves looking particularly in trouble. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the battle.
Other Matches Today
Away from the English top flight and FA Cup, Sunday'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)
Around the Continent:
- Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
- Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)
The Salah Debate Continues
The reaction from Mohamed Salah's comments continues. There are two clear camps to the debate. Has he earned the right to voice his frustration as a true club icon? On the other, is boss Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win matches?
Views from supporters seems split:
“As a Manchester United supporter. 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 feel sorry 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 the Egyptian king, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he move on 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 yesterday.
- The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a fan was taken unwell. It was later announced the fan passed away in hospital.
- Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – rendered the pitch unplayable.
At this time, there is no word yet on when either game will be rescheduled.
