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Opening Thoughts

Good morning to another Sunday morning. We bring you your comprehensive football coverage hub, highlighting the day's major football action. England's top division presents intriguing contests featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Hearts, alongside WSL action plus FA Cup round two excitement rounds out the lineup. We encourage share your thoughts telling us how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the headlines despite was absent in the Reds' thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Salah delivered an stunning attack on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” after omission from the starting lineup for the third straight match. He expressed feeling made a scapegoat for the team's disappointing beginning to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”

The other significant Premier League development was the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's winning strike. This outcome, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the summit of the table.

Outside the English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton host the Hammers in a afternoon kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of improvement under the arrival of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in five games.

Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last year's cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive victory on the road in the Premier League, having beaten three opponents to nil in their recent away fixtures.

Cup Action Continues

The FA Cup second round delivered plenty of excitement yesterday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by reaching the next round for the first time ever.

Other standout results featured:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United defeated Stockport on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally suffering a 6-2 defeat.

Sunday's FA Cup schedule includes:

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

Developing Mini-Leagues

There seems to be three distinct mini-leagues developing in this season's top flight.

1. The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly contending 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 top five. Will any string together a winning run to challenge the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The scrap to avoid the drop likely concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing particularly vulnerable. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Away from the Premier League 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 rages on. There are two clear camps to the debate. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is manager Slot right in doing whatever it takes to try to win games?

Fan opinion appears divided:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If memory serves, 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's probably overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Might he accept a lucrative offer and move to the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?

Matches Abandoned

Two Championship matches were called off on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later announced the supporter passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn Rovers'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 – made the field unsuitable.

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