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Opening Thoughts

Hello and welcome to another Sunday day. This is your all-in-one matchday live center, focusing on today's key football action. England's top division offers fascinating matches between Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish encounter between the Hoops and the Jambos, alongside WSL action plus FA Cup second round excitement rounds out the lineup. We encourage get in touch telling us how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the spotlight even though he was absent in the Reds' thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an stunning attack on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “under the bus” after omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive match. He expressed feeling singled out for blame for the team's poor start to the season.

“I can’t believe … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first occasion in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”

Another major Premier League development saw the Gunners' last-gasp defeat at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. That result, combined with City's straightforward win over the Black Cats, makes for a very tight race at the top of the standings.

Outside the English football, Lionel Messi as ever wrote the script for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

The Seagulls host West Ham for an 2pm GMT kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement since the appointment of manager Nuno. An impressive midweek draw means he has overseen a run of just one defeat in their last five.

Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last season's FA Cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are eyeing a fourth straight victory on the road in the league, having beaten three opponents without conceding in their recent away fixtures.

Cup Action Continues

The FA Cup round two delivered plenty of drama on Saturday. National League South side the Seagulls created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time ever.

Other notable outcomes featured:

• Swindon hammered Bolton – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United defeated Stockport County on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton led against Cheltenham before finally suffering a 6-2 defeat.

Sunday's FA Cup schedule includes:

• Slough Town v Macclesfield (early start)
• 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 separate mini-leagues forming in this season's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently vying for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any string together a winning run to challenge the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to avoid the drop probably involves several clubs, with Wolves looking particularly in trouble. Teams like others could also be dragged into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Outside the English top flight and domestic 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)

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. On one hand, has Salah done enough to voice his frustration as a bona fide Liverpool legend? On the other, is manager Arne Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win games?

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

“Perhaps we should take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's best-paid player... Someone hard done by, Mo, you are not.”

What next for Mo Salah, then? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Will he move on loan to a club abroad? Might he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?

Sad News from the Championship

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

• The game between Charlton and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later announced the fan passed away in hospital.
• Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the field unsuitable.

At this time, there is no word yet on when either game will be replayed.