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Preamble

Morning everyone to another weekend day. We bring you your comprehensive matchday coverage hub, centering on today's key football fixtures. The Premier League offers intriguing contests between Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with WSL action and FA Cup round two excitement rounds out the lineup. We encourage share your thoughts telling us your plans for watching today's games. Here we go.

Major Stories from Saturday

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the spotlight even though he not featuring in Liverpool's thrilling six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an stunning critique on manager Arne Slot, accusing him of throwing him “to the wolves” following being left out the starting lineup for the third straight game. He expressed feeling singled out for blame for the team's disappointing beginning to the season.

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

Another major Premier League development was Arsenal's injury-time defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. That result, coupled with City's comfortable win over the Black Cats, has left a very tight battle at the summit of the table.

Away from English leagues, Lionel Messi as ever wrote the script for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton welcome West Ham for an afternoon start. West Ham have shown flickers of life since the appointment of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in their last five.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last year's cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth straight victory on the road in the Premier League, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their recent away fixtures.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup second round provided plenty of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare made history by advancing to the next round for the first time ever.

Other standout results included:

• Swindon hammered Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks.
• Sixth tier Buxton led against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring 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 separate battlegroups forming in this campaign's top flight.

1. The Title Race: The current leading pack are seemingly contending for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Will any string together a winning run to challenge the top teams?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to avoid the drop likely concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves looking particularly vulnerable. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Outside the Premier League and FA Cup, today'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)

Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star

The fallout from Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. There are two clear camps to the argument. Has he done enough to speak out as a true club icon? On the other, is boss Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?

Views from supporters seems divided:

“United fan here. 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.”

“Perhaps we should take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Will he seek a loan to a club abroad? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?

Sad News from the Championship

Two second-tier matches were called off yesterday.

• The game between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a fan was taken unwell. It was later announced the supporter passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the pitch unsuitable.

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