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Opening Thoughts

Hello and welcome on this weekend day. We bring you your all-in-one football live hub, highlighting today's key soccer action. The Premier League presents fascinating contests between the Seagulls and the Hammers and the Cottagers and the Eagles. Additionally, a top-of-the-table Scottish clash between Celtic and Hearts, alongside Women's Super League games plus cup second round drama completes the schedule. Feel free to get in touch and let us know how you'll be following the action. Here we go.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star grabbed the spotlight even though he did not play in Liverpool's thrilling 3-3 draw at Leeds United. He launched an stunning critique on manager Arne Slot, accusing him of tossing him “to the wolves” after omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive match. He expressed that he felt singled out for blame for the team's disappointing start to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”

The other significant Premier League story was the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emiliano Buendía's winning strike. That result, combined with Manchester City's comfortable victory over the Black Cats, has left a incredibly close race at the summit of the table.

Away from English football, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for his MLS side 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 afternoon kickoff. West Ham have shown flickers of improvement since the arrival of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive midweek draw 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 last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth straight away win in the league, having defeated three opponents without conceding in their recent away fixtures.

Cup Action Continues

England's famous cup competition second round delivered lots 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 included:

• Swindon Town thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United defeated Stockport on penalties.
• Non-league Buxton 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

Developing Mini-Leagues

There seems to be a trio of distinct battlegroups developing in this campaign's top flight.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are apparently vying for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Will any string together a consistent form to threaten the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The scrap to stay up likely involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers appearing particularly in trouble. Clubs such as others could also be dragged into the battle.

Other Matches Today

Outside the English top flight 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 fallout from the Liverpool forward's explosive interview rages on. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the argument. Has he done enough to speak out as a bona fide club icon? Or is manager Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to try to win matches?

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 the main target. This is no way to treat a club legend.”

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

The big question for Mo Salah, then? Many think 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 Saudi Arabia after the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

Two Championship matches were called off on Saturday.

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

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