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Introduction

Good morning to another Sunday morning. We bring you your all-in-one matchday live hub, focusing on today's key football action. The Premier League offers intriguing contests featuring Brighton & West Ham as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a crucial Scottish encounter sees Celtic and Hearts, alongside WSL action and cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. We encourage share your thoughts telling us how you'll be following the action. Without further ado.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star stole the headlines even though he was absent in the Reds' hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an astonishing attack on manager Arne Slot, accusing him of tossing him “under the bus” following omission from the starting lineup for the third straight match. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the team's disappointing beginning to the season.

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

The other major top-flight story saw Arsenal's injury-time defeat at Villa Park, sealed by Emi Buendía's winning goal. That result, combined with Manchester City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, makes for a very tight battle at the top of the standings.

Outside the English leagues, Lionel Messi once again played the hero for Inter Miami as they lifted the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton host the Hammers for an afternoon start. West Ham have displayed signs of improvement under the appointment of head coach Nuno. An impressive point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of only one loss in their last five.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last season's cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth straight away win in the Premier League, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their latest away fixtures.

Cup Action Continues

England's famous cup competition second round provided plenty of excitement on Saturday. National League South side the Seagulls made history by reaching the next round for the first time ever.

Other notable outcomes featured:

• Swindon Town hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United beat Stockport County on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.

Sunday's cup action features:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (early kickoff)
• Boreham Wood v Newport County
• Gateshead v Walsall
• Blackpool v Carlisle United

Developing Mini-Leagues

It appears three distinct battlegroups developing in this season's Premier League.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are seemingly contending for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested section contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any string together a consistent form to threaten the top teams?
3. The Relegation Battle: The scrap to avoid the drop probably involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking particularly vulnerable. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Outside the Premier League and FA Cup, today's fixtures include:

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)

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 comments rages on. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the debate. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to speak out as a bona fide Liverpool legend? Or is boss Slot right in doing whatever it takes to try 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. This is no way to treat a legend of the club.”

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

What next for Mo Salah, then? Many think his relationship with the club may now be burned. Could he move on loan to a club abroad? 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 on Saturday.

• The match between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. It was later confirmed the supporter passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn'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 field unplayable.

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