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Introduction

Good morning on this weekend morning. We bring you your comprehensive matchday coverage hub, focusing on today's key soccer fixtures. England's top division offers fascinating matches featuring Brighton & West Ham as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish encounter sees Celtic and Hearts, alongside Women's Super League action plus FA Cup second round drama completes the schedule. Feel free to share your thoughts and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.

Major Stories from Saturday

Mohamed Salah stole the headlines despite not featuring in the Reds' hectic 3-3 draw at Leeds United. He launched an stunning critique on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” following omission from the starting lineup for the third straight match. He expressed that he felt made a scapegoat for the team's poor beginning to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”

Another significant top-flight story saw Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive goal. That result, combined with Manchester City's straightforward victory over the Black Cats, makes for a very tight battle at the top of the table.

Away from the English football, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

The Seagulls welcome the Hammers for an afternoon start. The visitors have shown flickers of life since the appointment of head coach Nuno. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of only one loss in five games.

Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last year's cup quarter-final. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their recent away fixtures.

The FA Cup Second Round

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

Other standout results included:

• Swindon Town hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United beat Stockport County on spot-kicks.
• Sixth tier Buxton led against Cheltenham Town before finally enduring a 6-2 loss.

Today's FA Cup action includes:

• 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 forming in this season's Premier League.

1. Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently vying for the championship.
2. The Packed Middle: A very tight group contains several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any string together a consistent form to challenge the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up likely concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves appearing particularly vulnerable. Teams like others could also be dragged into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Away from the Premier League and domestic cup, Sunday's fixtures feature:

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)

Around the Continent:

• 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. There are two distinct sides to the argument. Has he earned the right to voice his frustration as a true club icon? Or is boss Slot right in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win matches?

Fan opinion appears split:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was PFA Player of the Year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. Not the way to treat a club legend.”

“Perhaps we should pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten 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 relationship with the club may now be damaged. Will he seek a loan to another European club? Or will he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?

Sad News from the Championship

A pair of second-tier fixtures were abandoned yesterday.

• The match between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a fan was taken unwell. It was later announced the fan passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn Rovers's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – made the field unsuitable.

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