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Opening Thoughts

Good morning to another Sunday morning. We bring you your comprehensive football coverage hub, highlighting today's major soccer fixtures. The Premier League offers intriguing matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter sees the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside Women's Super League action and cup round two excitement rounds out the lineup. Feel free to send us your views telling us your plans for watching the action. Here we go.

Major Stories from Saturday

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the spotlight even though he was absent in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an stunning critique on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” following being left out the first eleven for the third straight match. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the club's disappointing start to the season.

“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”

Another significant Premier League story saw the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, combined with Manchester City's comfortable win over Sunderland, makes for a very tight battle at the top of the standings.

Away from the English football, Lionel Messi as ever played the hero for Inter Miami as they lifted the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

The Seagulls host the Hammers in a 2pm GMT start. The visitors have shown flickers of improvement since the appointment of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. 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 repeat of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth straight victory on the road in the league, having defeated three opponents to nil in their latest travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

England's famous cup competition round two provided plenty of excitement yesterday. National League South side the Seagulls created a historic moment by reaching the next round for the first time ever.

Other standout results featured:

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

Sunday's FA Cup action includes:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT kickoff)
• Boreham Wood v Newport County
• Gateshead v Walsall
• Blackpool v Carlisle United

The Premier League's Three Tiers

It appears three distinct battlegroups forming in this campaign's Premier League.

1. Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested group includes several big names, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any string together a winning run to challenge the top teams?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up probably concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially vulnerable. Clubs such as others could also be sucked into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Away from the English top flight and domestic cup, Sunday's schedule include:

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 comments rages on. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the debate. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is manager Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?

Fan opinion appears divided:

“United fan here. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was PFA 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 feel sorry for Mo Salah? He's probably forgotten that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to a club abroad? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and move to Saudi Arabia following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

Two Championship fixtures were called off yesterday.

• The match between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a fan was taken unwell. It was later announced the supporter died in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – made the field unplayable.

At this time, there is no word yet on when either game will be replayed.