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Opening Thoughts

Hello and welcome on this Sunday day. We bring you your all-in-one matchday live center, focusing on today's major football fixtures. England's top division presents intriguing matches featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside Women's Super League action and cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. We encourage get in touch and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the headlines despite was absent in the Reds' hectic six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an astonishing critique on manager the Dutch coach, accusing him of tossing him “to the wolves” after omission from the starting lineup for the third straight game. The player stated that he felt made a scapegoat for the team's poor beginning to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”

The other significant top-flight story saw Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, coupled with City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the top of the standings.

Away from English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they triumphed the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

The Seagulls host the Hammers in a 2pm GMT start. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement since 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 quarter-final. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth straight away win in the league, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their latest travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

England's famous cup competition second round provided lots of drama yesterday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare made history by advancing to the third round for the first time ever.

Additional notable results featured:

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

Today's cup schedule includes:

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

Developing Mini-Leagues

It appears a trio of distinct mini-leagues forming in this season's Premier League.

1. Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently vying for the top prize.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested section includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any put together a winning run to threaten the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up likely concerns several clubs, with Wolves looking especially in trouble. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Outside the Premier League and domestic cup, today's fixtures 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 fallout from Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. There are two distinct sides to the debate. Has he earned the right to voice his frustration as a true Liverpool legend? Or is manager Arne Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win games?

Views from supporters appears split:

“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. Not the way to treat a club legend.”

“Can we take a moment to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He's probably forgotten that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

What next for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be burned. Will he move on loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and move to Saudi Arabia after the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

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

• The game between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. It was later confirmed the fan died in hospital.
• Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unsuitable.

There is no confirmation on when these matches will be rescheduled.