🔗 Share this article

Introduction

Good morning to another Sunday day. This is your all-in-one football live center, highlighting the day's key soccer action. The Premier League presents fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash sees the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside Women's Super League action plus FA Cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. As always get in touch telling us how you'll be following today's games. Let's get into it.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star grabbed the spotlight despite did not play in the Reds' thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an remarkable attack on manager the Dutch coach, accusing him of tossing him “to the wolves” after being left out the starting lineup for the third straight match. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the club's poor start to the campaign.

“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”

The other significant Premier League story saw the Gunners' last-gasp defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, coupled with City's straightforward win over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close race at the summit of the table.

Away from the English football, Lionel Messi once again played the hero for Inter Miami as they lifted the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

Brighton host the Hammers for an 2pm GMT kickoff. West Ham have shown flickers of improvement since the appointment of manager Nuno. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of only one loss in five games.

Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last year's cup quarter-final. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive away win in the league, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their latest travels.

Cup Action Continues

England's famous cup competition round two provided lots of drama on Saturday. National League South side the Seagulls made history by advancing to the third round for the first time in their history.

Additional notable outcomes included:

• Swindon hammered Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United beat Stockport on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton FC led against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.

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

There seems to be a trio of separate battlegroups developing in this season's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the championship.
2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested section contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the top five. Will any put together a winning run to challenge the top teams?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up probably involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing especially vulnerable. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the battle.

Other Matches Today

Outside the English top flight and FA Cup, Sunday's fixtures 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)

Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star

The fallout from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview continues. There are two distinct sides to the argument. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? Or is manager Slot right in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win games?

Views from supporters seems divided:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was the players' 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.”

“Can we take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably forgotten that he is presently Liverpool's best-paid player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for Mo Salah, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool 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?

Matches Abandoned

A pair of Championship fixtures were called off on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a supporter was taken ill. It was later announced the fan died in hospital.
• Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – rendered the field unplayable.

At this time, there is no word yet on when these matches will be rescheduled.