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Preamble

Good morning on this Sunday morning. This is your comprehensive matchday coverage hub, highlighting the day's major football action. The Premier League presents intriguing contests featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers and Fulham & Crystal Palace. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with WSL action and cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. Feel free to share your thoughts telling us how you'll be following today's games. Let's get into it.

Yesterday's Headlines

Mohamed Salah grabbed the spotlight despite did not play in the Reds' thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an astonishing critique on manager the Dutch coach, accusing him of throwing him “to the wolves” following omission from the first eleven for the third consecutive game. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the team's disappointing start to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”

Another significant top-flight story saw Arsenal's injury-time loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, combined with Manchester City's straightforward win over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close battle at the summit of the standings.

Outside the English football, Lionel Messi as ever played the hero for Inter Miami as they triumphed the league championship, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton host the Hammers for an 2pm GMT kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of life since the appointment of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable midweek draw 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 quarter-final. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth straight away win in the Premier League, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their recent away fixtures.

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 notable results featured:

• Swindon Town thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United defeated Stockport on penalties.
• Non-league Buxton FC led against Cheltenham before eventually suffering a 6-2 defeat.

Today's 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 mini-leagues developing in this campaign's Premier League.

1. The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group includes several big names, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any put together a consistent form to threaten the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The scrap to avoid the drop probably involves several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking particularly vulnerable. Teams like others could also be dragged into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Outside the Premier League and FA Cup, Sunday'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)

European Football:

• 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 explosive interview rages on. There are two distinct sides to the debate. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is manager Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win matches?

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 chief scapegoat. Not the way to treat a club legend.”

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

What next for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Will he move on loan to a club abroad? Or will he take the pay day and head for Saudi Arabia after the Africa Cup of Nations?

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 supporter died in hospital.
• Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unplayable.

At this time, there is no word yet on when either game will be replayed.