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Preamble

Good morning on this weekend morning. This is your comprehensive football live hub, focusing on today's major soccer action. England's top division presents intriguing matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a crucial Scottish clash sees the Hoops and the Jambos, coupled with Women's Super League action plus cup round two drama completes the schedule. We encourage share your thoughts telling us how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.

Major Stories from Saturday

Mohamed Salah stole the headlines even though he was absent in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an remarkable critique on manager Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “to the wolves” after omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. The player stated feeling singled out for blame for the team's disappointing beginning to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first time 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 Manchester City's comfortable win over Sunderland, makes for a very tight battle at the top of the table.

Away from the English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for Inter Miami as they lifted the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

The Seagulls welcome West Ham in a 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have shown flickers 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 five games.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a rematch of last year's cup quarter-final. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive away win in the Premier League, having beaten three opponents to nil in their recent away fixtures.

Cup Action Continues

England's famous cup competition second round provided plenty of drama yesterday. National League South side the Seagulls made history by advancing to the next round for the first time in their history.

Other notable outcomes featured:

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

Sunday's FA Cup action includes:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (early 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 top flight.

1. The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are seemingly contending for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested section contains several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any put together a winning run to threaten the top teams?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to avoid the drop likely involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves appearing especially vulnerable. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the battle.

Other Matches Today

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

Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star

The reaction from Mohamed Salah's explosive interview rages on. There are two clear camps to the argument. On one hand, has Salah done enough to speak out as a true club icon? On the other, is manager Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win matches?

Views from supporters appears split:

“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.”

“Can we pause to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

The big question for the Egyptian king, then? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Could he move on loan to a club abroad? Might he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League after the AFCON?

Matches Abandoned

Two Championship fixtures were called off on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. It was later announced the fan passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the pitch unplayable.

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