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Introduction

Morning everyone to another weekend day. We bring you your comprehensive football coverage center, centering on today's major soccer fixtures. The Premier League presents fascinating matches featuring Brighton & West Ham and Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash between the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League games and FA Cup second round drama completes the schedule. We encourage send us your views and let us know your plans for watching today's games. Here we go.

Major Stories from Saturday

Liverpool's Egyptian star grabbed the spotlight even though he was absent in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an astonishing critique on boss the Dutch coach, accusing him of throwing him “under the bus” following omission from the first eleven for the third consecutive game. He expressed that he felt singled out for blame for the team's poor beginning to the season.

“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”

Another major Premier League development was Arsenal's injury-time defeat at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, combined with Manchester City's comfortable win over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close battle at the summit of the table.

Outside English football, the Argentine maestro 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

The Seagulls welcome West Ham for an afternoon start. West Ham have displayed signs of life under 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 five games.

Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last year's cup quarter-final. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive away win in the league, having beaten three opponents without conceding in their latest away fixtures.

Cup Action Continues

The FA Cup second round delivered plenty of drama yesterday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by reaching the next round for the first time in their history.

Additional standout outcomes featured:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge defeated Stockport County on spot-kicks.
• Non-league Buxton led against Cheltenham before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.

Sunday's FA Cup schedule features:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT start)
• Boreham Wood v Newport County
• Gateshead v Walsall
• Blackpool v Carlisle United

Developing Mini-Leagues

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

1. The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly contending for the championship.
2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested section contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the top five. Can any string together a consistent form to challenge the top teams?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up likely concerns several clubs, with Wolves appearing especially vulnerable. Clubs such as others could also be sucked into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

Away from the Premier League and FA Cup, today'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 fallout from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. Has he earned the right to voice his frustration as a true club icon? On the other, is boss Arne Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win matches?

Fan opinion appears divided:

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

“Perhaps we should take a moment 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.”

What next for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Will he move on loan to another European club? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and move to Saudi Arabia after the AFCON?

Matches Abandoned

Two second-tier matches were abandoned yesterday.

• The game between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later announced the supporter died in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the pitch unsuitable.

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