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Opening Thoughts

Hello and welcome to another Sunday day. We bring you your comprehensive matchday coverage center, centering on today's major football action. England's top division offers intriguing matches featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers and Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL action and FA Cup round two excitement rounds out the lineup. As always share your thoughts and let us know your plans for watching the action. Without further ado.

Yesterday's Headlines

Mohamed Salah stole the spotlight even though he not featuring in the Reds' hectic six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an remarkable attack on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” following being left out the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the club's disappointing beginning to the season.

“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my professional life. I am extremely disappointed.”

The other major Premier League story was Arsenal's last-gasp defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. That result, coupled with City's comfortable win over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close battle at the top of the standings.

Outside English leagues, Lionel Messi once again played the hero for his MLS side as they triumphed the league championship, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

Brighton host the Hammers in a afternoon start. The visitors have displayed signs of life since the arrival of head coach Nuno. An impressive 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 cup quarter-final. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth successive victory on the road in the league, having defeated Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their latest travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup second round delivered lots of drama yesterday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls made history by reaching the third round for the first time ever.

Other notable results included:

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

Today's 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 three separate battlegroups forming in this campaign's Premier League.

1. Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently vying for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with designs on the European places. Will any string together a winning run to threaten the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up likely concerns several clubs, with Wolves appearing particularly in trouble. Teams like others could also be sucked into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

Outside the English top flight and domestic cup, Sunday's schedule 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 Mohamed Salah's explosive interview continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to speak out as a bona fide Liverpool legend? Or is manager Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win matches?

Views from supporters seems 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 club legend.”

“Perhaps we should take a moment to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He's probably 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? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be burned. Could he seek a loan to another European club? Might he accept a lucrative offer and move to Saudi Arabia following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Matches Abandoned

Two second-tier fixtures were called off on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a supporter was taken ill. 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 pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – made the pitch unsuitable.

There is no word yet on when either game will be rescheduled.