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Opening Thoughts

Morning everyone to another weekend morning. This is your comprehensive football live center, centering on the day's major football action. England's top division presents intriguing matches between Brighton & West Ham as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish encounter between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with Women's Super League games plus FA Cup round two excitement completes the schedule. Feel free to get in touch and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the headlines despite not featuring in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an stunning attack on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” following being left out the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the club's disappointing start to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”

Another major top-flight story was the Gunners' injury-time loss at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, combined with City's comfortable win over the Black Cats, makes for a incredibly close race at the top of the standings.

Outside English leagues, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton welcome the Hammers for an 2pm GMT kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of life since the appointment of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable 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 season's FA Cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth straight away win in the Premier League, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest travels.

Cup Action Continues

The FA Cup second round delivered lots of drama yesterday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time ever.

Other standout results featured:

• Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge beat Stockport on penalties.
• Non-league Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 loss.

Today's FA Cup action features:

• 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 mini-leagues forming in this campaign's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are apparently vying for the top prize.
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 string together a winning run to threaten the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to avoid the drop likely concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking particularly in trouble. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Away from the Premier League and domestic 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)

European Football:

• 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 continues. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the debate. On one hand, has Salah done enough to voice his frustration as a true club icon? Or is manager Slot justified 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 chief scapegoat. Not the way to treat a legend of the club.”

“Can we pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for Mo Salah, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be burned. Could he move on loan to a club abroad? Or will he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?

Sad News from the Championship

Two Championship matches were abandoned on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a fan was taken ill. It was later confirmed the fan passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn'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 – made the pitch unplayable.

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