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Preamble

Good morning to another weekend morning. This is your comprehensive football coverage center, focusing on today's key soccer fixtures. England's top division offers intriguing matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish encounter sees the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with WSL games plus cup round two drama rounds out the schedule. We encourage share your thoughts telling us how you'll be following the action. Here we go.

Yesterday's Headlines

Mohamed Salah stole the spotlight even though he not featuring in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an astonishing attack on manager Arne Slot, accusing him of throwing him “to the wolves” after omission from the first eleven for the third consecutive game. He expressed feeling made a scapegoat for the club's poor 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, perhaps for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”

Another significant top-flight story was Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive goal. That result, combined with Manchester City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, has left a very tight battle at the top of the standings.

Outside English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero 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 welcome West Ham for an afternoon kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement under the appointment of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.

Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having beaten three opponents without conceding in their recent travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup round two provided plenty of excitement yesterday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by advancing to the third round for the first time in their history.

Other notable outcomes included:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge beat Stockport on penalties.
• Non-league Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham Town before finally suffering a 6-2 loss.

Today's cup action features:

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

Developing Mini-Leagues

It appears a trio of separate mini-leagues developing in this season's top flight.

1. The Title Race: The current leading pack are apparently vying for the top prize.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A very tight group includes several big names, all with designs on the European places. Will any put together a winning run to threaten the top teams?
3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to avoid the drop likely involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves looking especially vulnerable. Teams like others could also be sucked into the battle.

Other Matches Today

Away from the English top flight and FA 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)

European Football:

• 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 continues. There are two clear camps to the debate. On one hand, has Salah done enough to speak out as a bona fide club icon? On the other, 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 the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a club legend.”

“Can we 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 Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he move on loan to a club abroad? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and move to the Saudi Pro League following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

Two second-tier fixtures were abandoned on Saturday.

• The match between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a supporter 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 playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – made the pitch unplayable.

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