🔗 Share this article

Introduction

Hello and welcome to another weekend day. This is your all-in-one football live center, highlighting today's key soccer action. The Premier League offers fascinating matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside WSL games plus cup round two drama completes the schedule. We encourage share your thoughts telling us how you'll be following the action. Here we go.

Major Stories from Saturday

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the headlines even though he was absent in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an stunning critique on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” after omission from the first eleven for the third straight game. The player stated that he felt made a scapegoat for the team's disappointing start to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”

The other major top-flight development was Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's winning strike. That result, coupled with City's straightforward victory over the Black Cats, has left a very tight race at the summit of the standings.

Outside English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for his MLS side as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

The Seagulls host the Hammers in a afternoon kickoff. The visitors have shown flickers of life under the appointment of head coach Nuno. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in their last five.

Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth straight away win in the league, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their latest away fixtures.

The FA Cup Second Round

England's famous cup competition second round delivered lots of drama on Saturday. National League South side the Seagulls made history by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.

Other standout results featured:

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

Sunday's FA Cup schedule includes:

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

The Premier League's Three Tiers

It appears three separate mini-leagues forming in this campaign's top flight.

1. The Title Race: The current leading pack are apparently contending for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested section contains several big names, all with designs on the European places. Will any put together a consistent form to threaten the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to avoid the drop likely concerns several clubs, with Wolves appearing especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be dragged into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

Away from the Premier League and FA Cup, today's fixtures 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)

The Salah Debate Continues

The fallout from Mohamed Salah's comments continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the debate. Has he done enough to speak out as a true Liverpool legend? Or is manager Slot right in doing whatever it takes to try 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 the main target. This is no way to treat a legend of the club.”

“Perhaps we should take a moment to have sympathy 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? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be burned. Could he seek a loan to a club abroad? Or will he take the pay day and head for Saudi Arabia following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Matches Abandoned

A pair of second-tier matches were abandoned on Saturday.

• The match between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a fan was taken unwell. It was later announced the supporter died in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – made the field unsuitable.

There is no word yet on when these matches will be rescheduled.