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Opening Thoughts

Good morning to another Sunday morning. This is your comprehensive matchday coverage center, centering on the day's major football fixtures. England's top division presents intriguing matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash sees the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League action plus cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. As always send us your views telling us how you'll be following today's games. Let's get into it.

Major Stories from Saturday

Liverpool's Egyptian star grabbed the spotlight despite did not play in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an remarkable attack on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “to the wolves” after being left out the first eleven for the third straight game. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the club's poor beginning to the season.

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

Another significant Premier League story saw the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's winning strike. That result, combined with Manchester City's straightforward win over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close battle at the top of the standings.

Away from the English football, the Argentine maestro as ever played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

The Seagulls host the Hammers in a afternoon start. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement since the appointment of manager Nuno. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in their last five.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last year's cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having defeated three opponents to nil in their recent travels.

Cup Action Continues

England's famous cup competition second round delivered plenty of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls made history by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.

Additional notable outcomes featured:

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

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

There seems to be three distinct battlegroups forming in this campaign's Premier League.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are apparently vying for the top prize.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested section contains several big names, all with designs on the top five. Can any put together a winning run to challenge the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up probably involves several clubs, with Wolves appearing particularly vulnerable. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the battle.

Other Matches Today

Away from the English top flight and domestic cup, Sunday'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)

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. On one hand, has Salah done enough to speak out as a true club icon? On the other, is boss Arne Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to try to win games?

Fan opinion seems split:

“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 club legend.”

“Perhaps we should pause to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

What next for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he move on loan to another European club? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?

Matches Abandoned

Two Championship matches were called off on Saturday.

• The match between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. It was later announced the fan passed away 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 field unplayable.

At this time, there is no word yet on when either game will be replayed.