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Introduction

Good morning to another Sunday morning. This is your comprehensive matchday coverage hub, highlighting the day's key soccer action. The Premier League offers fascinating matches between Brighton & West Ham as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership encounter sees Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL games and FA Cup second round drama rounds out the lineup. We encourage get in touch and let us know how you'll be following the action. Let's get into it.

Major Stories from Saturday

Liverpool's Egyptian star grabbed the spotlight despite not featuring in Liverpool's thrilling six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an astonishing critique on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” following omission from the first eleven for the third consecutive game. The player stated feeling made a scapegoat for the team's disappointing beginning to the season.

“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”

The other significant Premier League story was the Gunners' last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive goal. This outcome, combined with City's comfortable victory over Sunderland, has left a incredibly close race at the top of the table.

Away from English football, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for Inter Miami as they triumphed the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton welcome West Ham in a afternoon kickoff. The visitors have shown flickers of improvement under the appointment of head coach Nuno. An impressive 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 season's FA Cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth successive away win in the league, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest travels.

Cup Action Continues

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

Other notable outcomes included:

• Swindon Town thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge defeated Stockport on spot-kicks.
• Sixth tier Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham before eventually suffering a 6-2 defeat.

Sunday's FA 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

There seems to be a trio of separate mini-leagues developing in this season's Premier League.

1. The Title Race: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A very tight section includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the top five. Will any put together a winning run to threaten the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to stay up likely involves several clubs, with Wolves appearing particularly in trouble. Clubs such as others could also be sucked into the battle.

Other Matches Today

Outside the Premier League and domestic cup, today'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)

European Football:

• 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 comments continues. There are two clear camps to the argument. Has he earned the right to speak out as a true club icon? On the other, is manager Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win games?

Views from supporters seems divided:

“United fan here. If memory serves, Salah was the players' 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 presently Liverpool's best-paid player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for Mo Salah, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be burned. Will he move on loan to another European club? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and move to the Saudi Pro League after the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

A pair of second-tier matches were abandoned yesterday.

• The match between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later announced the fan died in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – made the pitch unsuitable.

There is no word yet on when these matches will be rescheduled.