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Introduction

Hello and welcome on this weekend day. We bring you your comprehensive matchday live center, highlighting the day's key soccer fixtures. England's top division presents intriguing matches between Brighton & West Ham as well as 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 completes the lineup. We encourage get in touch telling us how you'll be following today's games. Without further ado.

Major Stories from Saturday

Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the headlines even though he not featuring in Liverpool's hectic six-goal thriller at Elland Road. He launched an stunning critique on boss Arne Slot, accusing him of throwing him “to the wolves” after omission from the first eleven for the third consecutive match. He expressed feeling made a scapegoat for the club's poor start to the campaign.

“I can’t believe … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian reportedly said. “This is the third match on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”

Another significant Premier League story saw the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Villa Park, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, coupled with City's comfortable win over Sunderland, makes for a very tight race at the top of the standings.

Away from the English leagues, Lionel Messi once again wrote the script for his MLS side as they triumphed the MLS Cup, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the showpiece.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

Brighton welcome West Ham for an afternoon start. The visitors have shown flickers of life since the appointment of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive midweek draw 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 aiming for a fourth straight victory on the road in the Premier League, having beaten three opponents to nil in their latest travels.

Cup Action Continues

The FA Cup second round provided plenty of drama on Saturday. National League South side the Seagulls created a historic moment by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.

Additional notable outcomes featured:

• Swindon Town thrashed Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
• Cambridge defeated Stockport on spot-kicks.
• Sixth tier Buxton FC led against Cheltenham before eventually enduring a 6-2 defeat.

Today'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

There seems to be three distinct mini-leagues developing in this campaign's top flight.

1. The Title Race: Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are apparently contending for the championship.
2. The Mid-Table Scramble: A incredibly congested group contains Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the top five. Will any string together a consistent form to challenge the elite?
3. The Relegation Battle: The dogfight to stay up likely involves Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolverhampton Wanderers looking particularly in trouble. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be sucked into the battle.

Other Matches Today

Away from the English top flight and domestic cup, Sunday's schedule 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)

Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star

The fallout from the Liverpool forward's comments rages on. There are two distinct sides to the argument. Has he done enough to voice his frustration as a true Liverpool legend? Or is manager Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to attempt to win games?

Fan opinion appears split:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s the main target. Not the way to treat a club legend.”

“Perhaps we should pause 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? Many think his bridges at Liverpool may now be damaged. Will he seek a loan to another European club? Or will he accept a lucrative offer and head for the Saudi Pro League following the AFCON?

Sad News from the Championship

Two Championship fixtures were abandoned yesterday.

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

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