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Preamble

Good morning on this Sunday morning. We bring you your all-in-one matchday live center, centering on the day's major football action. England's top division offers intriguing matches between Brighton & West Ham as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League action plus FA Cup round two drama completes the lineup. As always get in touch telling us how you'll be following the action. Let's get into it.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the headlines even though he did not play in the Reds' hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Salah delivered an stunning attack on manager Arne Slot, accusing him of tossing him “under the bus” following omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the team's disappointing beginning to the season.

“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”

Another major Premier League development was Arsenal's last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. That result, combined with Manchester City's comfortable win over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the summit of the standings.

Outside the English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they triumphed the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

The Seagulls host the Hammers for an 2pm GMT start. The visitors have shown flickers of life under the arrival of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in their last five.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last season's cup quarter-final. 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 travels.

Cup Action Continues

The FA Cup second round delivered plenty of drama on Saturday. National League South side the Seagulls created a historic moment by reaching the next round for the first time ever.

Other notable outcomes featured:

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

Sunday's FA Cup action features:

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

Developing Mini-Leagues

There seems to be three distinct battlegroups forming in this campaign's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently vying for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Will any put together a winning run to challenge the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The scrap to avoid the drop likely involves several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing particularly vulnerable. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the fight.

Elsewhere in Football

Outside the English top flight and FA Cup, today'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)

The Salah Debate Continues

The fallout from Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the debate. Has he earned the right to voice his frustration as a bona fide club icon? On the other, is manager Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win games?

Fan opinion seems divided:

“United fan here. 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 pause to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for Mo Salah, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he move on loan to another European club? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Matches Abandoned

A pair of Championship fixtures were called off on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted 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 playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the pitch unsuitable.

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