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Preamble

Morning everyone on this Sunday morning. This is your comprehensive matchday coverage hub, focusing on today's key football action. The Premier League presents fascinating contests between Brighton & West Ham as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a crucial Scottish encounter between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL games plus cup second round drama completes the schedule. We encourage send us your views telling us how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.

Yesterday's Headlines

Mohamed Salah commandeered the headlines even though he was absent in Liverpool's thrilling six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an astonishing attack on manager the Dutch coach, accusing him of throwing him “under the bus” after being left out the starting lineup for the third straight match. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the club's disappointing beginning to the campaign.

“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”

Another major top-flight development was Arsenal's injury-time loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emi Buendía's decisive goal. That result, combined with City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close battle at the summit of the table.

Away from English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever wrote the script for his MLS side as they triumphed the league championship, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton welcome the Hammers in a 2pm GMT start. The visitors have displayed signs of life under the appointment of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable midweek draw means he has overseen a run of only one loss in their last five.

Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last year's cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth successive away win in the league, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool to nil in their latest away fixtures.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup second round provided lots of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side the Seagulls created a historic moment by advancing to the next round for the first time ever.

Other standout outcomes 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 defeat.

Today'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

It appears a trio of separate mini-leagues developing in this campaign's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are seemingly vying for the championship.
2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group contains several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any put together a winning run to challenge the top teams?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up probably involves several clubs, with Wolves appearing especially vulnerable. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the battle.

Other Matches Today

Away from the Premier League and FA Cup, today's schedule include:

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 comments rages on. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the debate. On one hand, has Salah done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide Liverpool legend? Or is boss Arne Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?

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. This is no way to treat a club legend.”

“Can we pause to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's best-paid player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Could he seek a loan to a club abroad? Might he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League after the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

A pair of second-tier fixtures were called off yesterday.

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

At this time, there is no confirmation on when these matches will be rescheduled.