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Opening Thoughts

Good morning on this weekend day. We bring you your comprehensive matchday live hub, centering on the day's key soccer action. The Premier League offers fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside WSL action and FA Cup second round drama completes the lineup. As always send us your views and let us know your plans for watching the action. Without further ado.

Major Stories from Saturday

Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the spotlight despite did not play in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an remarkable critique on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” following being left out the first eleven for the third straight match. He expressed that he felt singled out for blame for the team's disappointing beginning to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … 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 top-flight development was the Gunners' last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's winning strike. This outcome, combined with City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, has left a very tight race at the top of the standings.

Away from English football, the Argentine maestro once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

The Seagulls host West Ham for an 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have shown flickers of improvement under the arrival of head coach Nuno. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of only one loss in their last five.

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 to nil in their recent away fixtures.

Cup Action Continues

The FA Cup round two provided lots of excitement on Saturday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare made history by advancing to the next round for the first time in their history.

Additional standout outcomes included:

• Swindon Town hammered Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United defeated Stockport County on penalties.
• Non-league Buxton led against Cheltenham before finally enduring a 6-2 loss.

Today's cup schedule 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

There seems to be a trio of distinct battlegroups forming in this season's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently vying for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A very tight group contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Will any put together a winning run to threaten the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up probably involves several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially vulnerable. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the fight.

Elsewhere in Football

Outside the Premier League and domestic 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 distinct sides to the argument. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to speak out as a true club icon? Or is manager Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?

Views from supporters appears divided:

“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a legend of the club.”

“Can we take a moment to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's best-paid player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Will he seek a loan to another European club? Or will he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?

Matches Abandoned

A pair of Championship fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. 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 pitch unsuitable.

At this time, there is no word yet on when these matches will be replayed.