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Introduction

Good morning to another weekend morning. This is your all-in-one matchday coverage center, centering on today's major soccer action. England's top division offers fascinating contests between Brighton & West Ham and the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash sees Celtic and Hearts, coupled with Women's Super League games plus cup round two excitement rounds out the lineup. As always share your thoughts telling us your plans for watching the action. Here we go.

Major Stories from Saturday

Mohamed Salah grabbed the headlines even though he not featuring in the Reds' thrilling six-goal thriller at Leeds United. Salah delivered an astonishing attack on boss the Dutch coach, claiming him of tossing him “under the bus” following omission from the starting lineup for the third consecutive game. The player stated that he felt singled out for blame for the club's poor start to the season.

“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah reportedly said. “The third time on the bench, perhaps for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed.”

The other major Premier League story was the Gunners' injury-time defeat at Aston Villa, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's winning strike. That result, combined with Manchester City's straightforward victory over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close race at the summit of the standings.

Outside English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever played the hero for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

Brighton welcome the Hammers for an afternoon kickoff. West Ham have shown flickers of improvement under the appointment of manager Nuno. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has overseen a run of only one loss in their last five.

Fulham versus Palace is a repeat of last season's cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are eyeing a fourth straight away win in the Premier League, having beaten Burnley, Wolves and Liverpool without conceding in their latest travels.

Cup Action Continues

England's famous cup competition second round provided lots of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time ever.

Other notable outcomes included:

• Swindon thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge United beat Stockport County on penalties.
• Sixth tier Buxton FC led against Cheltenham Town before eventually suffering a 6-2 defeat.

Sunday's FA 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 three separate mini-leagues forming in this campaign's top flight.

1. The Title Race: The current leading pack are apparently contending for the top prize.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A very tight group contains several big names, all with designs on the top five. Will any string together a winning run to threaten the elite?
3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to avoid the drop probably concerns several clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking especially in trouble. Teams like others could also be dragged into the battle.

Other Matches Today

Away from the English top flight and FA Cup, Sunday's fixtures feature:

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 continues. Opinion is split into two clear camps to the debate. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to voice his frustration as a bona fide Liverpool legend? Or is manager Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win games?

Fan opinion appears split:

“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 feel sorry 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? Speculation suggests his bridges at Liverpool may now be burned. Could he move on loan to a club abroad? Might he accept a lucrative offer and head for Saudi Arabia after the AFCON?

Sad News from the Championship

Two Championship fixtures were called off on Saturday.

• The game between Charlton Athletic and Pompey 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 stopped and called off due to a waterlogged pitch at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second occasion this season at the ground – rendered the pitch unplayable.

There is no confirmation on when either game will be rescheduled.