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Introduction

Hello and welcome on this weekend day. This is your all-in-one matchday coverage hub, focusing on the day's key football fixtures. England's top division presents fascinating matches between the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as Fulham & Crystal Palace. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash sees Celtic and Hearts, alongside Women's Super League games and FA Cup round two drama rounds out the schedule. Feel free to send us your views telling us how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star grabbed the spotlight even though he did not play in Liverpool's thrilling six-goal thriller at Leeds United. He launched an astonishing attack on boss Arne Slot, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” following being left out the first eleven for the third consecutive match. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the club's poor start to the season.

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

The other significant Premier League development saw Arsenal's injury-time loss at Aston Villa, sealed by Emi Buendía's winning strike. This outcome, coupled with Manchester City's comfortable win over the Black Cats, has left a very tight race at the top of the table.

Outside the English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever played the hero for his MLS side as they lifted the league championship, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

Brighton host the Hammers in a afternoon start. West Ham have shown flickers of life since the appointment of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in five games.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last season's cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth successive victory on the road 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 provided plenty of excitement yesterday. National League South side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by reaching the next round for the first time in their history.

Additional standout outcomes included:

• Swindon hammered Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United beat Stockport on spot-kicks.
• Non-league Buxton FC were ahead against Cheltenham Town before eventually enduring a 6-2 defeat.

Today's cup schedule features:

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

The Premier League's Three Tiers

It appears a trio of distinct mini-leagues forming in this season's Premier League.

1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are apparently vying for the top prize.
2. The Packed Middle: A very tight section contains several big names, all with aspirations for the top five. Can any put together a winning run to challenge the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to avoid the drop probably concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking particularly in trouble. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Outside the English top flight and domestic 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 distinct sides to the debate. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a true Liverpool legend? Or is manager Slot justified in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?

Views from supporters appears divided:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If memory serves, 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.”

“Can we take a moment to have sympathy for Mo Salah? He's probably forgotten that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning 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. Could he move on loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Matches Abandoned

Two Championship matches were abandoned on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was paused in the early stages after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later confirmed the supporter 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 – rendered the field unsuitable.

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