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Opening Thoughts

Hello and welcome on this weekend morning. This is your comprehensive matchday coverage hub, focusing on the day's key football fixtures. England's top division offers fascinating contests between Brighton & West Ham as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with WSL action 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.

Yesterday's Headlines

Mohamed Salah grabbed the headlines even though he was absent in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Elland Road. Salah delivered an astonishing attack on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” following omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. The player stated that he felt made a scapegoat for the club's poor beginning to the campaign.

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

The other significant Premier League story saw Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable win over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the top of the table.

Outside English leagues, Lionel Messi as ever played the hero for his MLS side as they triumphed the league championship, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

Brighton host the Hammers for an 2pm GMT start. West Ham have shown flickers of life under the arrival of head coach Nuno. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in five games.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth straight away win in the league, having beaten three opponents to nil in their latest travels.

Cup Action Continues

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

Additional notable results featured:

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

Sunday's FA Cup schedule features:

• 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

It appears a trio of distinct battlegroups developing in this season's top flight.

1. The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly vying for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A very tight section includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any put together a consistent form to challenge the top teams?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up likely concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves appearing especially vulnerable. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the battle.

Other Matches Today

Outside the Premier League and domestic cup, today's fixtures 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 Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the debate. Has he earned the right to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? Or is manager Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win matches?

Views from supporters appears divided:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a club legend.”

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

What next for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Will he move on loan to another European club? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League after the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

A pair of second-tier fixtures were called off yesterday.

• The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a fan was taken ill. It was later announced the supporter died in hospital.
• Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unsuitable.

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