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Introduction

Good morning to another Sunday day. This is your comprehensive matchday coverage center, highlighting today's major soccer action. England's top division presents fascinating contests featuring Brighton & West Ham as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League games plus cup round two excitement rounds out the lineup. Feel free to get in touch telling us how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.

Major Stories from Saturday

Mohamed Salah commandeered the spotlight even though he not featuring in the Reds' hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Salah delivered an stunning critique on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” following omission from the first eleven for the third straight match. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the team's disappointing beginning to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”

Another major top-flight story saw the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's winning strike. This outcome, coupled with City's straightforward victory over the Black Cats, has left a very tight battle at the summit of the standings.

Away from English football, Lionel Messi as ever 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

The Seagulls host West Ham in a afternoon start. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement since the appointment of head coach Nuno. 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 cup quarter-final. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their recent away fixtures.

The FA Cup Second Round

England's famous cup competition round two provided lots of drama on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare made history by advancing to the third round for the first time ever.

Additional standout outcomes included:

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

Sunday's FA Cup action features:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT start)
• Boreham Wood v Newport County
• Gateshead v Walsall
• Blackpool v Carlisle United

Developing Mini-Leagues

It appears three distinct mini-leagues developing in this season's top flight.

1. The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A very tight section includes several big names, all with designs on the European places. Can any string together a winning run to threaten the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to avoid the drop probably involves several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing particularly vulnerable. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

Away from the English top flight and FA Cup, today'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)

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 comments continues. There are two clear camps to the argument. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to voice his frustration as a bona fide Liverpool legend? On the other, is boss Arne Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?

Views from supporters seems split:

“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was PFA 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 take a moment 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.”

What next for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he seek a 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 yesterday.

• The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a fan was taken unwell. 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 – rendered the field unsuitable.

There is no word yet on when either game will be rescheduled.