Premier League Buildup and FA Cup Round Two Latest News and More
Preamble
Good morning on this weekend day. We bring you your all-in-one football coverage center, highlighting today's major soccer action. The Premier League presents fascinating contests between Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish encounter sees Celtic and Hearts, alongside WSL games and FA Cup second round drama completes the schedule. We encourage send us your views and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Here we go.
Major Stories from Saturday
Mohamed Salah commandeered the spotlight despite did not play in the Reds' thrilling 3-3 draw at Leeds United. Salah delivered an remarkable attack on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” after being left out the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. The player stated that he felt made a scapegoat for the club's poor start to the season.
“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”
Another major Premier League development was the Gunners' injury-time loss at Aston Villa, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's winning goal. That result, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close battle at the top of the standings.
Outside the English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever played the hero for Inter Miami as they triumphed the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
The Seagulls welcome West Ham for an afternoon kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of life since the arrival of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in five games.
Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last year's FA Cup quarter-final. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest away fixtures.
Cup Action Continues
The FA Cup round two provided plenty of excitement on Saturday. National League South side the Seagulls made history by reaching the third round for the first time ever.
Other notable results included:
- Swindon thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge beat Stockport County on spot-kicks.
- Non-league Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham before eventually enduring a 6-2 loss.
Today's FA Cup action includes:
- Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT start)
- Boreham Wood v Newport County
- Gateshead v Walsall
- Blackpool v Carlisle United
The Premier League's Three Tiers
There seems to be a trio of separate battlegroups developing in this campaign's Premier League.
- The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the top prize.
- The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested section contains several big names, all with designs on the European places. Can any string together a winning run to challenge the elite?
- The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to avoid the drop likely concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves appearing particularly in trouble. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the fight.
Other Matches Today
Outside the English top flight and domestic cup, today's schedule feature:
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 explosive interview rages on. There are two clear camps to the debate. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is boss Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?
Views from supporters seems split:
“United fan here. If memory serves, 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.”
“Can we take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably forgotten 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 bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Could he seek a loan to a club abroad? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and move to the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?
Matches Abandoned
A pair of second-tier fixtures were abandoned yesterday.
- The game between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a supporter was taken ill. It was later confirmed the supporter passed away in hospital.
- Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – made the field unplayable.
At this time, there is no confirmation on when either game will be rescheduled.
