Premier League Preview alongside Football Association Cup Second Round Updates and More
Introduction
Good morning to another Sunday day. We bring you your all-in-one matchday coverage hub, focusing on today's major soccer fixtures. England's top division offers fascinating matches between Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership encounter between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with Women's Super League action plus FA Cup second round excitement rounds out the schedule. Feel free to get in touch and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.
Yesterday's Headlines
Mohamed Salah grabbed the spotlight even though he not featuring in the Reds' hectic 3-3 draw at Leeds United. Salah delivered an astonishing attack on manager the Dutch coach, accusing him of throwing him “to the wolves” after being left out the first eleven for the third straight game. He expressed that he felt made a scapegoat for the team's poor beginning to the season.
“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”
Another significant top-flight story saw Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's winning goal. That result, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable win over the Black Cats, has left a very tight race at the summit of the table.
Away from the English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever played the hero for Inter Miami as they triumphed the league championship, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.
Today's Premier League Fixtures
Brighton host the Hammers for an afternoon kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of improvement under the arrival of head coach Nuno. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in five games.
Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last year's cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth successive away win in the Premier League, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their recent travels.
Cup Action Continues
England's famous cup competition round two delivered plenty of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.
Additional standout outcomes featured:
- Swindon hammered Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
- Cambridge United defeated Stockport County on penalties.
- Non-league Buxton FC led against Cheltenham before eventually enduring a 6-2 loss.
Sunday's FA 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 mini-leagues forming in this season's Premier League.
- Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the championship.
- The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested section includes several big names, all with designs on the top five. Can any string together a consistent form to threaten the elite?
- The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up likely concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be sucked into the battle.
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)
Around the Continent:
- Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
- Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)
Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star
The reaction from the Liverpool forward's comments continues. There are two distinct sides to the debate. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to speak out as a true club icon? On the other, is manager Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win games?
Fan opinion appears 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 legend of the club.”
“Can we pause to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”
The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Will he move on loan to a club abroad? Might he accept a lucrative offer and move to Saudi Arabia after the Africa Cup of Nations?
Sad News from the Championship
A pair of Championship matches were called off on Saturday.
- The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a supporter was taken ill. It was later announced the supporter died in hospital.
- Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unplayable.
There is no word yet on when either game will be replayed.
