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Opening Thoughts

Morning everyone on this weekend day. This is your comprehensive matchday live center, centering on today's major soccer action. The Premier League presents fascinating contests between Brighton & West Ham as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish Premiership encounter sees Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL action plus FA Cup round two drama rounds out the schedule. As always get in touch and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.

Major Stories from Saturday

Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the headlines even though he not featuring in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Elland Road. Salah delivered an remarkable attack on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “to the wolves” following omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. The player stated feeling made a scapegoat for the team's disappointing beginning to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”

The other major Premier League story saw Arsenal's last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, combined with City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close battle at the summit of the standings.

Outside the English football, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

The Seagulls host the Hammers in a 2pm GMT kickoff. West Ham have displayed signs of improvement under the arrival of manager Nuno. An impressive midweek draw means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in five games.

Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last year's cup last-eight tie. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth successive away win in the league, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their latest away fixtures.

Cup Action Continues

England's famous cup competition second round delivered plenty of excitement yesterday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time in their history.

Other notable outcomes included:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United defeated Stockport on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton FC led against Cheltenham before finally enduring a 6-2 defeat.

Today's cup schedule features:

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

The Premier League's Three Tiers

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

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are seemingly contending for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A very tight group contains several big names, all with designs on the European places. Will any put together a winning run to challenge the top teams?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to stay up likely concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially in trouble. Clubs such as Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the battle.

Elsewhere in Football

Away from the English top flight and FA Cup, Sunday'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 the Liverpool forward's comments rages on. There are two clear camps to the argument. Has he done enough to speak out as a true club icon? Or is manager Arne Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win matches?

Fan opinion appears divided:

“As a Manchester United supporter. 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.”

“Can we take a moment to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's best-paid player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Will he move on loan to another European club? Might he accept a lucrative offer and move to the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?

Matches Abandoned

A pair of second-tier matches were called off on Saturday.

• The match between Charlton and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a supporter was taken ill. It was later confirmed the fan died in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the pitch unplayable.

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