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Introduction

Good morning to another Sunday day. This is your all-in-one matchday coverage center, centering on the day's major soccer action. England's top division offers intriguing contests featuring Brighton & West Ham and Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a crucial Scottish encounter between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL action plus cup round two excitement rounds out the schedule. Feel free to share your thoughts and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the headlines despite did not play in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an stunning critique on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” after being left out the starting lineup for the third straight match. He expressed feeling made a scapegoat for the club's poor 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 Premier League story saw Arsenal's injury-time loss at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's winning strike. That result, coupled with City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the top of the standings.

Outside the English leagues, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for Inter Miami as they lifted the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton welcome West Ham in a 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of life since the appointment of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in their last five.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth straight away win in the Premier League, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their latest travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup second round provided plenty of drama on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls made history by reaching the third round for the first time ever.

Additional standout outcomes featured:

• Swindon Town thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United defeated Stockport County on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton led against Cheltenham before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.

Sunday'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 distinct battlegroups developing in this campaign's Premier League.

1. The Title Race: The current leading pack are apparently contending for the championship.
2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested section contains several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any put together a winning run to threaten the top teams?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up probably concerns several clubs, with Wolves looking especially vulnerable. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the fight.

Elsewhere in Football

Away from the Premier League and domestic 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 reaction from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview rages on. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to voice his frustration as a bona fide Liverpool legend? On the other, is manager Arne Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win matches?

Fan opinion appears split:

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

“Can we take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's best-paid player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be damaged. Could he move on loan to a club abroad? Might he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?

Matches Abandoned

Two Championship matches were abandoned yesterday.

• The game between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later confirmed 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 occasion this season at the ground – made the pitch unsuitable.

There is no confirmation on when either game will be rescheduled.