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Introduction

Good morning to another Sunday day. This is your all-in-one matchday coverage hub, centering on the day's major football fixtures. The Premier League presents intriguing contests between Brighton & West Ham as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter sees the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League games plus cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. Feel free to get in touch and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.

Major Stories from Saturday

Mohamed Salah grabbed the spotlight despite did not play in Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw at Leeds United. He launched an stunning critique on manager Arne Slot, accusing him of throwing him “under the bus” following being left out the first eleven for the third consecutive game. The player stated 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,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”

The other major top-flight story was the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's winning goal. This outcome, combined with City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the summit of the standings.

Away from the English leagues, Lionel Messi once again played the hero for his MLS side as they triumphed the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton welcome the Hammers for an 2pm GMT start. The visitors have shown flickers of life under the arrival of head coach Nuno. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last season's FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth straight victory on the road in the league, having defeated three opponents to nil in their recent away fixtures.

Cup Action Continues

England's famous cup competition second round delivered lots of excitement yesterday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time in their history.

Other notable outcomes featured:

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

Sunday's cup schedule features:

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

Developing Mini-Leagues

It appears three separate battlegroups developing in this campaign's Premier League.

1. Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly vying for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A very tight group includes several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Will any string together a winning run to challenge the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to avoid the drop likely involves several clubs, with Wolves appearing especially vulnerable. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

Outside the English top flight and domestic cup, Sunday's fixtures include:

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)

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 explosive interview rages on. There are two distinct sides to the debate. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? Or is boss Arne Slot right in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win games?

Fan opinion seems divided:

“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. Not the way to treat a club legend.”

“Perhaps we should take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

What next for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League after the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

Two second-tier fixtures were called off on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a fan was taken unwell. It was later confirmed the supporter died in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the field unsuitable.

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