Premier League Build-up and FA Cup Second Round Developments and More
Opening Thoughts
Hello and welcome to another weekend morning. We bring you your all-in-one matchday coverage hub, highlighting the day's key football fixtures. England's top division presents intriguing contests featuring Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside Women's Super League games plus FA Cup second round excitement completes the lineup. Feel free to get in touch and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Let's get into it.
Major Stories from Saturday
Mohamed Salah stole the spotlight despite did not play in the Reds' hectic 3-3 draw at Leeds United. He launched an stunning attack on manager the Dutch coach, accusing him of tossing him “under the bus” after omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. He expressed feeling singled out for blame for the team's poor start to the season.
“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another major top-flight story saw the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, combined with City's comfortable victory over Sunderland, makes for a very tight race at the top of the table.
Outside the English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
Brighton host the Hammers for an 2pm GMT kickoff. West Ham have shown flickers of improvement under the arrival of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable midweek draw means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in their last five.
Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last year's cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth straight away win in the league, having defeated three opponents to nil in their latest travels.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup second round delivered lots of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls made history by advancing to the third round for the first time ever.
Additional standout outcomes featured:
- Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge beat Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Non-league Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 loss.
Sunday's cup schedule 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
There seems to be three distinct mini-leagues developing in this season's Premier League.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the top prize.
- The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested group contains several big names, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any string together a winning run to threaten the elite?
- The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up likely involves several clubs, with Wolves looking especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be dragged into the battle.
Other Matches Today
Away from the Premier League and FA 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)
The Salah Debate Continues
The fallout from Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. There are two clear camps to the argument. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to voice his frustration as a true club icon? On the other, is manager Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?
Views from supporters appears split:
“United fan here. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. Not the way to treat a club legend.”
“Perhaps we should pause to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's best-paid player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he move on loan to a club abroad? Or will he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
Two Championship fixtures were called off on Saturday.
- The game between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a fan was taken ill. It was later confirmed the fan died 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 occasion this season at the ground – made the field unsuitable.
At this time, there is no word yet on when these matches will be replayed.
